Reasons Why Men Feel Like They Have to Pee but Can’t

Anju Mobin
By Anju Mobin
Joel Taylor
Edited by Joel Taylor

Published March 23, 2022.

Young man against purple backdrop holding his groin with pained look on his face

Often, when you have a frequent urge to pee but little comes out, or you cannot get rid of the feeling, it can cause frustration. The causes of urine blockages in males can be anything from an enlarged prostate to a urinary tract infection (UTI). Other causes can be insulin resistance, diabetes, kidney or bladder stone, etc.

Read on to learn more.

Enlarged Prostate

An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can be one of the biggest causes of urinary problems (1).

This small walnut-sized gland surrounds the urethra. It is the tube through which urine passes out of the body. As the prostate grows in size, the prostate gland pressing on the urethra makes urination difficult and blocks the urine flow.

Can You Shrink the Prostate Naturally?

It is possible to shrink the prostate and alleviate the different complications related to it.

  • Eat foods that help shrink prostates, such as saw palmetto, stinging nettle root, maca roots, foods that are high in zinc/ vitamin C, and lycopene
  • Eat cruciferous vegetables
  • Try supplements such as Prostarex
  • Avoid soy, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, processed meat, red meat, and chocolates
  • Stop your sugar intake
  • Exercise daily

Aside from these methods, consider fasting to reduce an enlarged prostate.

UTI

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the infection of your urinary system. The infection mostly happens in the lower urinary tract.

With UTI, urination becomes a problem. The feeling of a full bladder and the urge to pee is there, but you can only pass a small amount of urine (2). These infections are usually caused by bacteria such as E. coli which causes the bladder to become inflamed (3). This also is the cause of this constant urge to pee.

How to Treat a UTI

  • Buchu leaf and uva ursi tea
  • Cranberry
  • Good probiotics
  • Juniper
  • Intermittent fasting and/or keto
  • Cut out carbs and sugars
  • Consume more liquids, preferably water
  • Vitamin C supplements

High Blood Sugar

High sugar levels in the blood can be dangerous, causing your kidneys to work harder and produce more urine. Also, the excess sugar draws more water and results in larger volumes of urine.

If this is complicated more by an infection of the prostate or bladder or UTI, a complete bladder emptying becomes difficult, hence the constant urge. UTIs are common amongst diabetic patients (4).

How to Lower Blood Sugar

  • Cut out all sugars
  • Stop snacking
  • Reduce frequency of eating
  • Add more fat to your diet
  • Increase potassium foods
  • Increase your Vitamin B intake

Kidney Stones

A kidney stone can develop in the kidney or in the duct that collects urine and moves it to the ureters. A stone, especially in the ureter, can either block the flow of urine or can cause a backflow, making urination difficult. It is often manifested by groin pain, blood in the urine, nausea, and more(5).

How to Relieve Kidney Stones

  • Drink two to three liters of water every day
  • Cut down on your oxalates
  • Increase your calcium intake
  • Add citrate to your diet
  • Take cod liver oil, berberine, and/or chondroitin sulfate
  • Consume more vegetables, especially leafy greens
  • Take vitamin K2

When Should You Visit a Doctor for Difficulty Urinating?

When the constant urge to urinate is accompanied by severe pain, fever, nausea, or blood in the urine, go to your doctor immediately. They will be able to diagnose your exact condition and help you understand how to release the urine.