Waking to Urinate at Night

The above symptoms are highly suggestive of prostatic problems. The prostate is a small gland that surrounds the urethra. Symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, hesitancy and intermittency with decreased size and force of the urinary stream with sensations of incomplete emptying, terminal dribbling, continuous overflow incontinence, or complete urinary retention are indicative of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy or BPH. 50 - 60% of males between the ages of 40 - 59 years have BPH and by age 80, 90% of all males have BPD with 75% having prostate cancer according to biopsy.

BPH may be due to increased levels of di-hydro testosterone (DHT), which stimulates prostate growth. There are also prostaglandins, nutrient deficiencies and altered sex hormones as possible causes.

It is important to have the appropriate lab work on these clients to assess creatinine, PSA and Prostatatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP) levels.  It is also essential to have a digital rectal examination. This is to be considered as annual screening exam of men over 45, because prostate cancer is becoming an epidemic in this country.

With Prostatic problems need to make sure to rule out the following: sensitivity to dairy products, obese its, infrequent sexual activity, hereditary factors and lack of exercise.


Reference: Weatherby, D. (2004). Signs and Symptoms Analysis from a Functional Perspective. Jacksonville, OR: Bear Mountain Publishing.

Pain or Burning with Urination

Pain or burning with urination is a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are fairly uncommon in men and should be investigated with the appropriate urinalysis and lab work. This may be a more common symptom in older men, who are at the increased risk of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), which can lead to prostatitis. It is important to remember that pain with urination may not necessarily be related to infection of the prostate: only 5% of all prostatits is bacterial, usually E. coli. Any swelling or inflammation of the prostate cause constriction to the urethra, hence all the urinalysis symptoms. A through evaluation should be performed to rule out possibility of kidney involvement.



Reference: Weatherby, D. (2004). Signs and Symptoms Analysis from a Functional Perspective. Jacksonville, OR: Bear Mountain Publishing.