Prostate Health: Even Santa Doesn’t Want to Stop Too Often

12/15/2025

December brings joy, family gatherings and holiday traditions. But for many men, it also brings something less festive: frequent bathroom breaks, weak urine flow, and sleepless nights. And while kids may picture Santa sailing through the sky in his sleigh, men of a certain age might wonder: how does he manage all those long rides without stopping every few miles?

“The reality is, if Santa were a typical man over 50, he’d be pulling over at every gas station from here to the North Pole,” said William Bruce Harrell, M.D., board-certified urologist at Lakeside Physicians in Granbury. “Frequent urination, especially at night, is one of the most common signs of prostate issues. And it’s no laughing matter, though sometimes a little humor helps men feel more comfortable talking about it.”

When Nighttime Interrupts Holiday Nights

Prostate enlargement, officially called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), affects millions of men as they age. The condition isn’t cancer, but it can cause frustrating symptoms: frequent urination, trouble starting or stopping and the nagging feeling that the bladder isn’t fully empty.

“For some men, the biggest complaint is getting up two, three, even four times a night,” Dr. Harrell explained. “Imagine Santa trying to get down chimneys all night long with that problem; he’d never finish his route.”

Interrupted sleep from nighttime urination doesn’t just affect mood; it can lead to fatigue, poor concentration and even long-term health issues.

Long Sleigh Rides, Long Road Trips

Holiday travel can also highlight urinary problems. Whether it’s a sleigh ride across the globe or a road trip to see family, frequent stops can put a damper on the journey.

“Guys will joke about always needing to know where the nearest bathroom is,” Dr. Harrell said.

“But beneath the humor, it’s disruptive. Men start planning their days and their activities around bathroom access. That’s a sign it’s time to see a doctor.”

When to Seek Help

Not every bathroom break is a sign of trouble, but there are certain red flags that shouldn’t be ignored:

• Getting up more than twice a night to urinate
• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Difficulty starting urination
• Feeling like the bladder doesn’t empty completely
• Sudden urgency that’s hard to control

“These are not just ‘normal aging,’” Dr. Harrell emphasized. “They are treatable conditions. You don’t have to live with them.”

Modern Treatments

Fortunately, today’s options for managing prostate health are far better than in the past.

Depending on the severity, treatments may include:

• Lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine and evening fluids
• Medications to relax the prostate or shrink its size
• Minimally invasive procedures that can improve flow and reduce symptoms
• Surgical options for more advanced cases

“The good news is, men have choices,” Dr. Harrell said. “We can tailor treatment to fit their lifestyle. For some, it’s as simple as a prescription. For others, a quick outpatient procedure can make a world of difference.”

Breaking the Silence

Despite how common prostate issues are, many men hesitate to bring them up. Sometimes it’s embarrassment. Other times, it’s the belief that “this is just part of getting older.”

“That’s why I don’t mind sprinkling in a little humor,” Dr. Harrell said. “If joking about Santa’s bathroom breaks gets men to schedule an appointment, then it’s worth it. Talking about it is the first step.”

A Gift for Yourself

As the holidays approach, Dr. Harrell encourages men to think about their health as the best gift they can give themselves and their families.

“Good health means more energy, better sleep and being fully present for the people you love,” he said. “You don’t want to spend Christmas Eve worried about bathroom breaks — whether you’re wrapping gifts or, in Santa’s case, circling the globe.”

This December, while children dream of sugarplums and sleigh bells, local physicians are urging men to pay attention to a more down-to-earth issue: their prostate health.

“Don’t ignore the symptoms,” Dr. Harrell said. “If frequent urination or weak flow is interfering with your life, it’s time to come in. We can help you, and Santa, keep the sleigh moving smoothly.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact William Bruce Harrell, M.D., board-certified urologist at Lakeside Physicians in Granbury, (817) 573-5983.

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