Is Frequent Urination a Sign of Prostate Cancer?

What Is Frequent Urination?

First, what is frequent urination? How often is too often? Most people urinate seven to eight times each day and up to two times each night. This average varies widely between individuals and can change due to a variety of factors. For example, if a person drinks large quantities of water or if they take a medication with frequent urination as a side effect, then this number may increase.

Urination habits, especially at night, also change with age. People in their 40s and 50s may pee only once per night, while those in their 60s or 70s might need to go twice. Somebody in their 80s may need three bathroom visits every night.

Because these are averages, the most important thing is to understand your own body. If you suddenly need more bathroom breaks in the day, or if your sleep is newly disrupted by a need to urinate, consider whether any lifestyle factors might be related. Have your drinking habits changed? Are you on a new medication? If not, your frequent urination may have an underlying cause.

What Are the Urinary Tract Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer does not always cause symptoms, especially in early stages. When complications do arise, however, many of them are related to the urinary system. Frequent urination is just one of these symptoms. Other urinary issues caused by prostate cancer include:

• A painful or burning sensation during urination
• Difficulty with starting urination
• Difficulty with stopping urination
• A weak or inconstant flow of urine
• Blood in urine

These symptoms may also be related to other conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is important to note that the great majority of individuals who experience one or more of the symptoms listed above will not have prostate cancer. Nonetheless, it is important to consult a physician about these symptoms, particularly if they are pronounced, arose suddenly, or have persisted for an extended period. Even if the cause is not cancer, prompt treatment will help you find relief.

What Are the Other Early Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Urinary issues are not the only signs of prostate cancer. A tumor can also interfere with sexual function or cause pain, especially if it’s large. The following are symptoms of prostate cancer that are unrelated to the urinary system:

• Unexplained pain around the prostate, especially while sitting
• Swelling or pain in the back, hips, and lower body
• Changes in bowel function
• New onset of erectile dysfunction
• Painful or burning sensations during ejaculation
• Blood in ejaculate
• Fever
• Vomiting

Once again, people who experience the above symptoms should speak with a doctor. Complications with the reproductive system can be serious, even if they are not cancerous. The sooner you seek medical assistance, the sooner you can identify the cause and start receiving treatment.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

Any man can be affected by prostate cancer. Certain factors, however, can put men at greater risk of developing the condition. The strongest risk factors for prostate cancer include:

• Age 65 and older
• African American or Caribbean racial background
• Certain inherited gene mutations, including the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
• A father, brother, or son with prostate cancer

The following are also potential risk factors for prostate cancer, though their relationship with cancer remains unclear:

• Exposure to radiation or certain chemicals
• A diet high in red meat or fatty dairy products
• Obesity
• A history of smoking
• A history of prostate inflammation (prostatitis)
• A history of sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea or chlamydia
• Vasectomy

If you may be at higher-than-average risk of prostate cancer, you should speak with your physician about screening options. You should also alert your physician to urinary issues or other signs that may be associated with prostate cancer.

Finding the Cause for Frequent Urination

If you notice that you are urinating more frequently, your first step should be to speak with a physician. You can also take notes in advance of your appointment. These will help your physician determine the root cause. Take note of the following:

• How long you have been experiencing frequent urination
• What times of day or night you experience frequent urination
• Any other urinary changes or symptoms
• Any medications you are currently taking or have recently stopped taking
• How much fluid you drink daily, including caffeinated beverages and alcohol
• Whether your daily fluid intake has recently changed
• Whether you have swelling in your legs
• New or abnormal snoring

Using this information, your physician will work with you to determine a diagnosis.

How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

To accurately diagnose the cause of frequent urination, your physician will request a series of tests. Which tests are used depend on the other symptoms you are experiencing. The following are frequently used to diagnose prostate cancer:

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening: A PSA screening is a type of blood test that checks for PSAs, which are proteins that can sometimes increase due to prostate cancer.
• Digital rectal exam: To perform a DRE, the physician inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum. The finger is used to feel for unusual bumps or masses on the prostate.
• Medical imaging: X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, or ultrasounds can sometimes be used to detect tumors or other abnormalities.
• Prostate biopsy: To perform a prostate biopsy, physicians take multiple small samples of tissue from the prostate. These samples are evaluated to determine whether cancer cells are present.

Thorough testing is key to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Once cancer is confirmed, patients and physicians can discuss options for successful treatment.

Find Prostate Cancer Care Near You in NJ, CT, MA, MD, and the Washington, D.C., Area

What is frequent urination a sign of? You can learn more about this symptom and other signs of prostate cancer at Regional Cancer Care Associates. RCCA specialists provide care to more than 30,000 new patients and 265,000 established patients each year. RCCA physicians offer patients innovative therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, cutting-edge diagnostics as well as access to approximately 300 clinical trials in community-based centers close to home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Frequent Urination

What is frequent urination?

Frequent urination is when a person needs to pee more often than usual. In most people, this is over seven to eight a day or three times a night.

Does frequent urination mean I have prostate cancer?

Frequent urination is a symptom of many prostate and urinary conditions, most of which are benign. It can be caused by cancer, however, so individuals should seek a diagnosis if they have concerns about frequent urination.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Symptoms of prostate cancer may include:

• Frequent urination
• Difficulty stopping or starting urination
• Slow or interrupted urination
• Pain during urination
• Sudden onset of erectile dysfunction
• Pain during ejaculation
• Blood in urine or ejaculate fluid
• Pain in the prostate when sitting