The most common cause of urinary flow issues in men over 45 is an enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition is not cancer, but can significantly impact your quality of life.
Know Your Flow
Let’s define “flow." Flow is the speed and volume of your urine stream measured over time. As men age, changes in flow patterns often occur due to an enlarged prostate. Monitoring your flow can provide valuable insights into both prostate and overall urinary tract health.
My Urine Flow Has Changed. Why?
When you notice changes in your urine flow, your body is signaling that something is in the way. For most men, it's a sign that the prostate is growing.
Select a symptom to learn more:
CAUSE:
A weak urine stream is often the result of a narrowing of the urethra, caused by an enlarged prostate gland. This narrowing makes it harder for urine to flow from the bladder.
QUALITY OF LIFE IMPACT:
It takes longer to urinate and can lead to an intermittent stream or even painful retention as the condition worsens. Common complaints include the need to strain—which can weaken the bladder over time—and dribbling that leads to embarrassing spots on pants.
CAUSE:
The frequent need to urinate is caused by a blockage in the urinary tract, preventing the bladder from fully emptying. This creates the sensation of needing to go again shortly after a trip to the bathroom.
QUALITY OF LIFE IMPACT:
Avoiding or missing out on enjoyable activities, such as sporting events, theater performances, church services, or anything that involves being far from a restroom for more than two hours, such as long drives.
CAUSE:
A growing blockage in the urinary tract not only prevents the bladder from fully emptying but also weakens its ability to "hold it" for a normal amount of time.
QUALITY OF LIFE IMPACT:
Constantly staying close to a restroom to avoid an embarrassing accident, along with the discomfort of trying to hold it in. Fear of traffic delays or long lines at events can lead to avoiding activities that were once enjoyable.
CAUSE:
"Nocturia"—the need to urinate during the night—is influenced by an enlarging prostate and is further heightened by the natural slowing of bodily functions during sleep.
QUALITY OF LIFE IMPACT:
Waking multiple times during the night affects the quality and quantity of much-needed rest. This can lead to issues with concentration, irritability, and even sexual dysfunction — negatively impacting work and leisure activities.
1/3
of men with BPH avoid places without immediate access to a toilet
For example, movie theaters, sporting events, or even window seats on airplanes.
1/2
of men with BPH say it interferes with at least one important aspect of their life
Half of men over 50 also say it’s creating sexual problems
3/4
of men with BPH say it impacts how they feel about themselves
The emotional toll even affects the partners who love them
How Serious Are My Symptoms?
Get Your Flojo Back
Knowing your flow is the first step to reclaiming the life you had before enlarged prostate symptoms took over.
Inflowmation Is Power
Getting on the road to relief for your urinary issues is as simple as knowing your FloScore™. Understanding what your score means—and what fluctuations in score results over several testing sessions indicate—helps drive productive conversations with doctors and bring you one step closer to a solution.
