Getting Up at Night to Urinate: Common Reasons and When to See a Doctor
Waking up to use the bathroom is one of the most common complaints of men over 50. The prostate is only one of several reasons, and the fix depends on which one is yours.
The Checkups Men Over 50 Should Ask About
Most men see a doctor when something hurts. A short list of the screenings, numbers and questions worth raising after 50, based on U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations.
Plenty of men treat the doctor like a mechanic: you only go when something starts making a noise. The trouble is that several of the most important health problems after 50 make no noise at all until they're well advanced. That's what screening is for.
This list is built on the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the independent panel whose guidance most U.S. doctors and insurers follow. Recommendations are updated from time to time, and your own history may change what's right for you, so treat this as a starting point to take to your doctor.
Know your numbers
| Check | Who and when | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure | All adults; at least yearly from 40 | High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms and is a major driver of heart attack and stroke. |
| Cholesterol and heart risk | Adults 40 to 75: your doctor estimates your 10-year heart risk | Decides whether cholesterol-lowering treatment makes sense for you. |
| Blood sugar | Adults 35 to 70 who are overweight; ask about your own risk | Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are common and often silent. |
| Weight and waist | Every visit | A simple trend line that connects to heart, joints and sleep. |
Cancer screenings to discuss
| Screening | Who and when (USPSTF) |
|---|---|
| Colorectal cancer | Ages 45 to 75. Several test options, from a colonoscopy every 10 years to at-home stool tests; ask which fits you. |
| Prostate cancer (PSA) | Ages 55 to 69: an individual decision with your doctor. Not recommended routinely from 70. Higher-risk men may start the conversation earlier. See The PSA Test Explained. |
| Lung cancer | Ages 50 to 80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who smoke now or quit within the past 15 years: a yearly low-dose CT scan. |
| Skin | No routine screening recommendation for everyone, but show your doctor any mole or spot that's new or changing. |
Other checks men tend to miss
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm. A one-time ultrasound for men 65 to 75 who have ever smoked.
- Hepatitis C. A one-time blood test for adults 18 to 79.
- Hearing and vision. Changes creep in slowly. Hearing loss in particular is easy to deny and worth checking.
- Mood. Depression in men often shows up as irritability, withdrawal or drinking more rather than sadness. Your doctor may ask a couple of questions; answer them honestly.
- Teeth and gums. A dental checkup at least once a year.
Vaccines to keep current
Ask which of these are due for you: the yearly flu shot, the shingles vaccine (recommended from age 50), pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccination, a tetanus booster every 10 years, and RSV and COVID-19 vaccination according to current guidance. Vaccine schedules change, so check at each visit.
Things to mention, even if they seem minor
- Changes in how you urinate, or getting up at night to go (see our guide)
- Snoring, poor sleep or daytime sleepiness
- Getting more out of breath than you used to on stairs or hills
- Falls, near-falls or feeling unsteady
- Any lump, bleeding or unexplained weight loss
- Every medicine, vitamin and supplement you take, with doses
Make the appointment work
- Write your questions down before you go, most important first.
- Bring your medication list and any home readings (blood pressure, steps).
- Ask what each test result means and when to repeat it.
- Keep a copy of your results so you can follow the trend over the years.
Our free printable checklist puts all of this on one page, with space for your numbers.
The Men's Checkup Checklist
One page to take to your next appointment: the screenings, numbers and questions worth raising after 50, with space to write your results. Made to print.
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Sources
Keep reading
What the Prostate Does, in Plain English
A walnut-sized gland most men ignore until it gets their attention. What it is, why it changes with age, and which changes are common versus worth a call to your doctor.
The PSA Test Explained: What It Measures and Questions to Ask Your Doctor
The PSA blood test is one of the most debated tests in men's health. What it measures, why a high number doesn't automatically mean cancer, and how to make the decision with your doctor.