Discover the truth about testosterone’s effects on peeing frequency and what you can do about it.
If you’ve asked yourself “can testosterone therapy cause frequent urination?”, the short answer is sometimes, but not always.
While a small percentage of men do experience increased urinary frequency from testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), research shows it’s more likely to actually improve urinary symptoms.
While frequent peeing is possible, there are also many ways to minimize risks. The majority of studies indicate TRT relieves urinary problems rather than exacerbating them.
At Physician’s Rejuvenation Centers, we understand that worrying about potential side effects can make you hesitant to start therapy that could greatly improve your vitality and quality of life.
As experts in hormone therapies and men’s health, we want to provide you with the facts.
Why Might You Need Testosterone Therapy?
Before diving into the specifics on urination, let’s quickly cover why testosterone therapy is used. Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, causing symptoms like:
- Low energy and stamina
- Decreased muscle mass
- Problems with erectile function
- Reduced motivation and confidence
- Difficulty concentrating
- Excess body fat and weight gain
Through customized testosterone replacement therapy, we can restore your levels to a healthy range so you can feel energized, mentally sharp and fully engaged in life again.
Our expert physicians tailor your treatment plan based on your symptoms, medical history, lab work and goals. We take the time to monitor your progress and make adjustments to optimize your therapy over the long term.
What is Frequent Urination?
Needing to urinate more than 7-8 times in 24 hours is considered frequent urination. You may notice increased daytime peeing, nighttime bathroom trips, or constantly feeling the urge to go. While urinary frequency is rarely dangerous, it can negatively impact sleep, work, exercise, and regular activities.
Does Testosterone Therapy Increase Urination Frequency?
Now, back to your concerns about peeing more often. It’s true that some men do experience more frequent urination, especially at night, when starting testosterone therapy. But this isn’t the case for everyone.
Here’s a quick rundown of what the research says:
- Multiple studies have shown testosterone therapy improves urinary symptoms like weak stream and incomplete emptying.
- Men undergoing long-term testosterone therapy report progressive improvement in urinary function over time.
- Testosterone therapy reduces urinary symptoms associated with enlarged prostate (BPH) and may improve nighttime peeing.
- While a few studies found no changes in urination, the majority show beneficial effects, like less frequent and urgent peeing.
As you can see, the evidence overall indicates testosterone treatment is more likely to improve urinary function than cause increased peeing frequency. But let’s take a closer look at why urinary symptoms sometimes occur…
What Causes Frequent Urination With Testosterone Therapy?
Testosterone can enlarge the prostate gland, which surrounds the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder). When the prostate expands, it can squeeze the urethra and obstruct urine flow. This leads to symptoms like:
- Feeling the sudden, urgent need to pee
- Waking up many times at night to use the bathroom
- Having trouble fully emptying your bladder
- Trouble postponing urination
Testosterone also increases contractions of the bladder muscle and tightens the urethral muscle, which can prompt more frequent peeing.
Any urinary changes are usually most noticeable at the beginning of treatment when testosterone levels reach their peak after each dose. Things typically improve over several months as your hormone levels stabilize.
Can You Minimize Potential Urinary Side Effects?
The great news is there are ways to reduce potential urinary effects of testosterone therapy:
- Start with a lower dose and slowly titrate up over several weeks, which allows your body to adjust.
- Split doses into smaller amounts given more frequently to prevent major spikes in testosterone.
- Use alternative delivery methods like gels or pellets that release testosterone more evenly.
- Keep your testosterone levels on the lower end of normal range. Excessively high levels increase side effect risk.
- Make dietary changes like limiting fluids and caffeine before bedtime to reduce nighttime peeing.
- Your doctor can prescribe medication to relax the urinary muscles if symptoms persist.
- We closely monitor your prostate health during treatment through lab testing.
The Bottom Line
While testosterone therapy carries a small chance of urinary side effects, keep in mind that research shows it’s more likely to improve urinary function and relieve troublesome symptoms. If you do experience increased peeing, there are many ways to manage it without discontinuing therapy.
Our team specializes in optimizing hormone treatments for men, while minimizing side effects. We’ll work closely with you to make adjustments to your therapy protocol and lifestyle to support urinary health. And we’ll regularly monitor your progress to ensure you’re getting the intended benefits.
Are you ready to take charge of low testosterone symptoms holding you back? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
