Urinary Issues: Is Prostate Enlargement Possible at 19?

Difficulty urinating?

I would like to ask, I am only 19 years old, but I often have to wait a long time to urinate.
Could this be due to an enlarged prostate? I have been holding my urine often since middle school, sometimes for an entire day.
Could this be the reason for my condition?

QQQ, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/02/11

Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology

Could it be caused by frequently holding in urine in the past? Or is it due to excessive stress? I recommend you visit a urologist at the hospital for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2010/02/11

More Info

At the age of 19, it is relatively uncommon to experience prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as this condition typically occurs in older men, usually over the age of 40. However, your symptoms of having difficulty urinating and needing to wait a long time to start urination can be concerning and may indicate other underlying issues.

One possible explanation for your urinary difficulties could be related to bladder function rather than prostate enlargement. The bladder is a muscular organ that stores urine, and it can be affected by various factors, including habits developed over time. Holding urine for extended periods, as you've mentioned doing since middle school, can lead to bladder dysfunction. This can result in a decreased ability to relax and contract properly, which may cause symptoms such as hesitancy (difficulty starting urination) or a weak urine stream.

Additionally, other conditions could contribute to your urinary symptoms. For instance, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause discomfort and changes in urination patterns, including urgency and hesitancy. Another possibility is that you might be experiencing symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction, which can affect how well the bladder and urethra work together.

It is also important to consider that psychological factors, such as anxiety or stress, can impact urination. If you feel anxious about urinating or are in a hurry, it may lead to difficulty initiating urination.

Given your age and the symptoms you are experiencing, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a urologist. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and possibly some tests, such as a urinalysis or ultrasound, to assess your bladder and urinary tract health.

In summary, while prostate enlargement is unlikely at your age, your urinary symptoms warrant further investigation. Holding urine for long periods can lead to complications, and it is essential to address these issues early on to prevent any long-term effects on your bladder function. Seeking medical advice will help you understand the underlying cause of your symptoms and guide you toward appropriate treatment options.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Prostate Enlargement at a Young Age: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor, I am about to turn 37 this year. For the past few years, I have been experiencing frequent urination, feeling the need to go to the bathroom often, but it is not uncontrollable. I initially thought it was just due to drinking more water. However, in the past two yea...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: What exactly is the reason for this issue at my age? --> Is it normal for the doctor not to prescribe medication to suppress or improve this phenomenon since the cause is unknown? --> If urination is normal, what can I do on my own to improve this condition or delay ...

Understanding Prostate Health: Myths and Facts for Young Adults

Hello, Dr. Hsu. You mentioned that at my age (20 years old), I wouldn't have to worry about prostate issues for another 40 years. Does this mean that young people are unlikely to experience benign prostatic hyperplasia? I've read online that frequent masturbation can le...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
To clarify, I am not saying that a 20-year-old cannot have prostate issues, but rather that they will not have prostate enlargement. Young individuals will definitely not experience prostate enlargement; it is absolutely impossible. The correlation between masturbation and prosta...

Understanding Prostate Volume: Is 19g Considered Enlarged?

I am 26 years old (almost 27) and I would like to ask if my prostate ultrasound shows a volume of approximately 19 grams (almost 20), does this indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia? Also, can prostatitis lead to prostate enlargement as well?

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
Your prostate size is normal. Prostatitis can cause, but does not necessarily lead to, prostate enlargement.

Understanding Prostate Enlargement: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Regarding the male external genitalia, there appears to be a noticeable difference in size above the penis, approximately where the prostate gland is located (slightly above the pubic hair area). One side seems larger, and I am wondering if this could be due to benign prostatic h...

Dr. Liu Jiaju reply Urology
It is recommended that you consult a urologist to rule out whether it is a hernia or other issues. Benign prostatic hyperplasia requires a digital rectal examination for diagnosis. Your age should not predispose you to this problem.