Evaluation and Management of Nocturia in Older Men

Nocturia is defined as the need to wake at night one or more times to void, with each void preceded and followed by sleep. Although a substantial association between age and nocturia has been established in several epidemiologic studies, nocturia is an underreported condition. Therefore, the true extent of the problem in the population may be underestimated. Nocturia is one of the most bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms and is associated with significant morbidity and even mortality. Nocturia is a multifactorial condition, with nocturnal polyuria representing a highly prevalent and often unrecognized cause. Classification of the etiology of nocturia is greatly facilitated by the liberal use of frequency volume charts. Treatment centers around lifestyle modifications, attention to comorbidities, and judicious use of various targeted medical therapies.