LIFESTYLE CHANGE FIXES A WEE ISSUE
MEN usually enjoy talking about “taking a slash,” but in some cases, excess urination at night can be somewhat of a taboo topic.
Nocturia is a disorder affecting about 40 per cent of the adult population, and the condition – meaning excessive urination at night – is often ignored and poorly understood.
In his late 30s, Stephen Brant was concerned with his night bladder movements.
“I thought it wasn’t right, getting up four to five times a night (to go to the toilet) wasn’t normal,” Mr Brant said.
The Adelaide man suffered with alcohol addiction, causing a weakness in his bladder, and the fatigue started affecting his attitude.
Nocturia can be brought on in two different forms: one is a result of an illness like diabetes or kidney problems causing a lack of urination during the day, and therefore more at night. The other form is concerned with the bladder not storing enough liquid.
A study earlier this year by the University of Adelaide outlined the established connection between lower urinary tract symptoms and depression and prompted Mr Brant to take action.
He now practises healthy lifestyle choices and became a personal trainer about five years ago, in the hopes of passing along his learnings in self discovery.
“The biggest thing is to take control and stop being a victim,” Mr Brant said.