6 ways to manage you or your partner’s prostate issue

A prostate issue doesn’t just affect a man’s livelihood, the stress of finding a bathroom quickly can also become a task for his partner.

Excessive urination, or urinary frequency, can be divided into subcategories. The first is an increase in total volume of urine produces (also known as polyuria). Second, there can be dysfunction in voiding whereby there are problems with the storage and emptying of urine. Finally, there may be urinary incontinence in which there is involuntary loss of urine.

In general, urinary problems in older men aren’t serious. Even though an enlarged prostate can be a cause of urinary problems, it isn’t always cause for concern, as urinary problems are just as frequent in older men without prostate cancer as in men with prostate cancer.

Here’s some subtle, easy ways to make this common health complaint less of a hassle.

1. Plan your trip

Before you or your partner with the urinary frequency issue go out, plan ahead and know where you’re going, how long you’ll be out and when you’ll likely need to go to the toilet.

2. Use the National Public Toilet Map 

The National Public Toilet Map shows the location of more than 14,000 public and private public toilet facilities across Australia and is useful for people with incontinence and other urinary issues.

Using the Trip Planner function, you can plan your journey and locate toilets you can use along the way. Details of toilet facilities are available along major travel routes and for shorter journeys as well. Useful information is provided about each toilet, such as location, opening hours, availability of baby change rooms, accessibility for people with disabilities and the details of other nearby toilets.

There is also a map available which can be found on your smart phone or tablet device.

 3. Avoid over-the-counter cold or allergy drugs and sleep aids

Any over-the-counter tablets that contain antihistamines or decongestants may worsen symptoms of frequent urination. Discuss with your doctor to find the right balance.

4. Cut down on fluids and alcohol 

Before bed, try not to drink any coffee, tea, caffeine drinks or alcohol as these are all diuretics and will more than likely wake you up during the night. Better yet, try to avoid altogether.

5. Be active 

Some research shows that keeping active can alleviate symptoms of prostate issues such as frequent urination. Try a light jog or joining a gym and doing pelvic floor exercises.

6. Consider surgery

If your symptoms become severe and if medications do not work well, surgery may be your best bet to getting your life back.

You or your partner should contact a doctor when you are constantly needing to urinate day and night, and/or when you get a pain in your back or in your lower abdomen.