Temperatures Drop, Urinary Troubles Rise

A senior patient recently came to my clinic and said, half in concern and half in embarrassment, “Doctor Sahab, every winter my urinary problems get worse, maybe it’s my prostate again. I request you to write about this so men like me can understand and take care of themselves.”

His request made perfect sense. As winter approaches, I see many elderly men across Kashmir complaining of similar problems, frequent urination, weak stream, sleepless nights due to repeated bathroom trips, and discomfort they often dismiss as “just age.” But in our cold climate, these issues can worsen and affect health and quality of life if ignored.

This article aims to help men understand how ageing and winter together affect the prostate, what symptoms to watch for and how to manage them wisely.

Prostate and Ageing

The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland that sits below the urinary bladder. Its main function is to produce the fluid that nourishes sperm. As men cross 40 years of age, hormonal changes cause the prostate to gradually enlarge.

By 60, about half of all men have some prostate enlargement, and by 80, nearly 9 out of 10 experience symptoms. This condition is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement that can press against the urethra, causing urinary troubles.

Why Symptoms Worsen in Winter

In Kashmir, winters are long and cold, and this season often makes prostate and bladder symptoms worse. Here’s why:

• Cold triggers bladder contractions, making you feel the urge to urinate more often.
• Reduced physical activity and sitting for long hours slow pelvic circulation, leading to urinary retention.
• Less water intake due to cold weather makes urine more concentrated, irritating the bladder.
• More tea, coffee and Kashmiri kehwa though comforting, act as bladder irritants.
• Thick winter clothing and heating make access to toilets less frequent, causing men to hold urine longer, a bad habit for the prostate.

So, if you find yourself waking up frequently at night to urinate or rushing to the bathroom more often, you’re not alone, but it’s worth checking.

Common Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement

• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
• Urgency ; sudden strong need to urinate
• Feeling the bladder isn’t empty
• Dribbling after finishing
• Occasionally, pain or burning during urination

These symptoms may appear mild initially, but ignoring them can lead to bladder strain, infections, or even kidney problems over time.

When Symptoms Overlap, Prostate vs Overactive Bladder

In winter, urinary urgency can also occur due to an overactive bladder (OAB), where the bladder muscle contracts too often. Many men mistake it for a prostate problem.

Here’s how to tell the difference:

• If you have difficulty starting urination, weak flow, or dribbling, it’s more likely prostate enlargement.
• If you have sudden, strong urges to urinate and sometimes leak before reaching the toilet, it may be OAB.

Sometimes, both coexist, especially in older men. That’s why a medical check-up is vital before starting any treatment or home remedy.

When to See a Doctor

You should consult a doctor if you: Wake up more than twice a night to urinate. Strain or wait long before urine starts. Have burning, fever, or blood in urine. Feel incomplete emptying of the bladder. Are unable to urinate at all (medical emergency)

These could signal infection, severe obstruction, or complications that require attention.

Prostate Cancer: Stay Alert, Not Afraid

While most prostate problems are benign, prostate cancer risk rises with age. It’s one of the most common cancers in men, but early detection saves lives.

Who should be careful: Men above 50 years. Those with family history of prostate or breast cancer. Diets rich in red meat, processed foods, and low in vegetables. Sedentary lifestyle and obesity.

Screening includes:

• PSA Blood Test – measures a protein produced by the prostate.
• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) – a brief clinical check by a doctor to assess prostate size, shape, and texture.
• Ultrasound (USG) of the Prostate and Bladder – helps visualize the prostate’s size, check residual urine and detect any obstruction or abnormalities.

Screening usually starts at 50 years (or 45 if there’s a family history). An elevated PSA or increased prostate size on USG doesn’t always mean cancer, it may also indicate benign enlargement or infection, so results must always be interpreted by a doctor.

Less Talked-About Factors

• Cold weather constricts blood vessels, affecting bladder function. Keep warm and avoid sitting on cold surfaces.
• Dehydration thickens urine, worsening irritation. Drink moderate amounts of lukewarm water throughout the day till 4-5 PM.
• Constipation increases pressure on the prostate and can increase prostate symptoms, eat fibre-rich foods like vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
• Stress and poor sleep can aggravate urinary urgency. Deep breathing and light physical activity help.

Practical Tips for Kashmir’s Winter

Keep Warm: Cold worsens symptoms. Use thermal wear, keep feet warm and avoid exposure to chilly winds.

Stay Hydrated Smartly: Don’t restrict fluids, but reduce intake 4 hours before bedtime.

Go Easy on Tea and coffee: Limit caffeine, switch to caffeine-free herbal teas.

Stay Active Indoors: Even 20 minutes of daily movement improves pelvic circulation.

Avoid Holding Urine: Empty your bladder regularly; holding it can stretch and weaken it.

Double Void: After urinating, wait 30 seconds and try again to ensure full emptying.

Eat Light and Balanced: Avoid spicy, fried, and salty foods that irritate the bladder.

Do Pelvic Exercises: Gentle Kegel exercises strengthen bladder control.

Regular Check-ups: Men above 50 should have annual prostate assessments, even if symptom-free.

Emotional Wellbeing

In our culture, men rarely discuss urinary or prostate problems openly, often due to embarrassment or the belief that “this happens with age.” But these issues can affect sleep, intimacy and confidence. Open communication with your doctor and family can make a huge difference.

Remember, seeking help early prevents complications and improves comfort. The goal is not just to live longer, but to live better. Prostate problems are common but manageable with awareness, healthy routines and timely medical care.

So, like my patient wisely said,“Doctor, let’s talk about it before it becomes a problem.”

Yes, let’s talk, understand, and take care, because healthy ageing begins with awareness, not avoidance.