Every year in Australia about 8000 men suddenly find that they are unable to pee properly and have to go to the emergency department at their local hospital.
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Other men might find their pee flow is weak, or starts and stops or they dribble when they feel they have finished.
Urinary retention can be a painful and distressing condition; and one that's not to be ignored as it's a sign that all is not well - down below.
It's also common in older men and often caused by benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate.
According to Australian GP Dr Adrian Sheen some 50 per cent of men aged 50 have an enlarged prostate rising to 70 per cent of men at age 70 and 80 per cent at age 80.
An enlarged prostate can introduce a range of problems including reduction in urine - sometimes a complete stopping of the flow, infections, and constantly needing to get out of bed at night to go to the bathroom.
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Dr Adrian Sheen, who has been working as a GP for 43 years, is urging men to be more proactive about their health and has developed a simple solution.
"It's crucial that men become more in touch with their prostate and bladder," he said.
Dr Sheen, who received the Order of Australia medal for services to medicine earlier this year, has developed a simple way for men to determine if they need to see their doctor or visit a hospital - the Widdleometer, which allows men to monitor their urine flow in the privacy of their own home.
A man pees into the Widdleometer cup while holding it over the toilet. The cup has a clearly marked step. If the urine stream is satisfactory the urine will rise to the step. If it doesn't reach the step or the man finds it hard to make it do so, it's time to go to the doctor.
Dr Sheen said the Widdleometer is an early warning system for prostate and bladder health.
"It does not diagnose particular illnesses but provides an indication of potential health concerns. It encourages men to seek medical investigation" he said.
Men should also have a regular check-up from their doctor.
The Widdleometer is available at some pharmacies or by phoning 1800 362 743.
Eileen Wood
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
