ASK DR ZOE
I’m going to the toilet in the middle of the night more – is this normal?
Plus, common signs of benign enlargement of the prostate
DR Zoe Williams helps a reader wondering if it’s normal to have to go to the toilet more often at night when you grow older.
Dr Zoe is our resident doctor and is here to help YOU.
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Q: I’M a 58-year-old male and think I’m in reasonable shape. But over the last 12 months I find myself waking up to take a pee.
This doesn’t happen every night. I also find when I wake my mouth is very dry and I need to drink which might be making things worse?
A: It’s not uncommon for men in their 40s and 50s to urinate once a night, and for men in their 60s and 70s to urinate twice a night.
Benign enlargement of the prostate is the common cause for men needing to urinate more as they get older.
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Other common symptoms include finding it difficult to start urinating and feeling as though you’ve not fully emptied the bladder.
Prostate cancer is a rarer cause but has the same symptoms.
What you’re describing isn’t unusual, but if you’re concerned it’s worth doing an online consultation or seeing your GP.
There are a few other reasons why you might be urinating in the night, and these may need to be eliminated.
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A bladder or urinary tract infection can increase the need to pee as can conditions such as high blood pressure, and certain kinds of heart disease.
A dry mouth could be unrelated and caused by breathing (or snoring) through your mouth at night.
But a condition like diabetes could cause an increased need to urinate, a dry mouth, and increased thirst.
TIP: Cooking fats add extra fat and calories to your food.
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Olive oil is usually a healthier option than saturated fat sources such as lard, ghee, coconut oil and vegetable oils.
Try steaming or grilling foods instead.
Top tips for stopping that 'little bit of wee' coming out
If you're struggling with incontinence, Clare said there are some things you can do to help control it.
Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles: Having a strong and flexible pelvic floor will help you to hold on in the times you need it most.
Make sure you’re doing your Kegels correctly: Performing a contraction of the pelvic floor correctly is essential
Take care of your bladder: Stay wrapped up nice and warm and reduce your intake of bladder irritants, such as caffeine and alcohol.
Speak to your doctor for support: If you are experiencing urine leaks or notice you are passing urine more frequently during the day or night which is impacting your daily life, seek support from your GP. You don’t have to suffer in silence.