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Urinary symptoms in men

Urinary (weeing) symptoms (or continence issues) are common in men, affecting around 40% of men over 45. Men with urinary symptoms often don't seek medical help. This can be because they are embarrassed or they don't think anything can be done.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should see your GP. The symptoms could be due to prostate problems, or bladder or kidney problems. Symptoms can include:

trouble starting the flow of urine (wee)
trouble stopping the flow, or dribbling
a weak stream
flow stopping and starting
often having an urgent need to go to the toilet
feeling the need to go more often, sometimes with small amounts or none coming out
getting up more than once at night
pain or burning when you urinate
having blood in your urine.

The District Nursing Service provides continence advice. It provides support, assessment and products for people with continence issues. Your GP can refer you, but you can also contact the service directly using the following phone numbers:

District Nursing service provider	Contact	Phone
Karamea Health Clinic	Rural nurse specialist	(03) 782-6710
Buller District Nursing Service	District nurse	(03) 788-9277
Ngakawau Health Centre	Rural nurse specialist	(03) 788-5063
Reefton Health Centre	Rural nurse specialist	(03) 732-6440
Greymouth District Nursing Service	District nurse	(03) 769-7721
Moana/Otira Rural Clinic	Rural nurse specialist	(03) 738-0003
Hokitika District Nursing Service	District nurse	(03) 756-9906
South Westland Area Practice	Rural nurse specialists	(03) 752-0700

If your call goes to voicemail, leave a message. The nurses check the voicemail daily.

HealthInfo recommends the following pages

Continence New Zealand – Urinary symptoms in men
Detailed information about the types of urinary incontinence, the causes, and what can be done. Continence New Zealand also provides a freephone helpline for people with continence problems. Call 0800‑650‑659.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Adapted by the West Coast DHB. Page created May 2016.

Sources

See also:

Pelvic floor exercises for men

Page reference: 268165

Review key: HIUPM-26706