Recently my husband has started waking up to urinate as much as four times a night. He never used to. Should we be concerned?
Waking up four times a night is certainly very disruptive for anyone, and you should rightly be concerned. The most likely cause is an enlarged prostate and age-related changes in the bladder.
Less likely causes but equally important are urine infection, bladder stones, or any medication he might be taking, for instance some diuretic medication for high blood pressure. Your husband’s problem should be checked early, so do get him to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
As part of the regular health checkups, questions relating to urinary symptoms will be asked. If there is any concern about enlarged prostate from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or even suspicion of prostate cancer, then the appropriate referral to a urology specialist will be made.
The urologist will decide on all the tests and checkups necessary.
"Based on local studies, roughly 30-40 per cent of Singaporean men above 50 will have some lower urinary tract symptoms to varying degrees. However, only 20-30 per cent have actual urinary impairment from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH. The average age group at our clinic for BPH is 60-65 years."
– Dr Chong Tsung Wen, Consultant, Department of Urology, Singapore General Hospital
With its state-of-the-art facilities and procedures, the Department of Urology at Singapore General Hospital offers a broad range of services in shockwave lithotripsy, endourology, laser surgery, uro-oncology, female urology, andrology, reconstructive urology and renal transplantation.
Call 6222-3322 (main line) or visit http://www.sgh.com.sg |