There’s nothing more annoying than waking up in the middle of the
night to go to the bathroom. And while it may just be a sign that you
drank too much before hitting the hay, it could also indicate a bigger
problem.Recently, a viewer asked this question to Dr. Manny Alvarez, senior managing editor of FoxNewsHealth.com:
Dear Dr. Manny,
I've started waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom every night. I'm a 57-year-old man in good health. What do you think it could be?
Thanks,
Jim - Sarasota, FL
Dr. Manny: Considering your age and the fact that you say you are healthy, you may want to ask your doctor about benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. The condition affects half of all men between the ages of 50 and 60.
As you age, the prostate can become enlarged and squeeze the urethra, causing the intense urge to urinate. BPH can usually be controlled with lifestyle modifications, but some men benefit from medication.
There is a chance it could be a sign of an underlying health condition like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, vascular disease, prostate infection or a sleep disorder. You should see your doctor to rule out any serious conditions and find a treatment that’s right for you.
