Introduction
As we age, our bodies start to change. Most of us aren’t aware of these changes, but they can have a real impact on our health. One part of the body that changes as we get older is our urinary tract and genitalia. Say’s Dr Zamip Patel, this article will explore some common urology issues seniors face and how to prevent them from becoming serious health problems.
Incontinence
Incontinence is a common problem among seniors. If you are experiencing this condition, it’s important to know what it is, how it’s treated and how you can prevent it from happening in the future.
Incontinence occurs when the muscles that control urination or stool (feces) become weak or damaged, resulting in leakage of urine or feces. The amount of urine lost depends on which muscles have been affected:
- Stress incontinence–the loss of small amounts of urine due to physical exertion such as coughing or laughing; may be caused by injury or surgery on pelvic organs such as bladder removal during hysterectomy (removal of uterus) surgery; also occurs with aging when pelvic muscles weaken
- Urge incontinence–sudden urges to void despite normal storage capacity; may be caused by bladder infections or diabetes-related nerve damage
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common among seniors. They’re also more serious than they might seem, and can even lead to more serious health problems if not treated properly.
If you think your loved one may be experiencing a UTI, there are several signs that should raise red flags:
- frequent urination with pain or burning when emptying their bladder
- cloudy urine with an unpleasant smell (this is called “dysuria”)
- blood in the urine (hematuria)
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is more common in men than women and is most often found in people over age 50. Smoking increases the risk of bladder cancer, so if you smoke, quitting may help prevent it. If you have a family history of bladder cancer or symptoms such as blood in your urine (hematuria), see your doctor right away to be evaluated for this condition.
Bladder cancer can be treated with surgery to remove part or all of the organ; chemotherapy and radiation therapy; targeted therapies that attack specific proteins involved in cell growth; immunotherapy drugs that boost immune system response against tumors or prevent them from growing back after treatment; gene therapy using viruses carrying new genes into cells where they become active against cancerous tissue
Penile Protrusion
Penile protrusion is a condition that results in the penis sticking out of the body. It can be painful and cause embarrassment, especially if it happens during an erection.
- Causes
The causes of penile protrusion include:
- Age-related changes to blood vessels and nerves. As you age, your body’s ability to regulate temperature decreases, which can lead to problems with erections (such as priapism). This can also lead to increased sensitivity in the genital area that makes you more likely to develop an erection even when you don’t want one–and even if there are no sexual stimuli present!
- Medications such as antidepressants or blood pressure pills that affect serotonin levels in your brain may contribute because they make it difficult for you maintain control over erections by reducing dopamine activity in certain parts of your brainstem.* Treatment OptionsIf left untreated, penile protrusion could cause permanent damage or scarring around where tissue meets bone (fibrosis). But there are several treatments available depending on what caused this condition:
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem among seniors, and it can be caused by a number of factors. In fact, ED affects more than one in four men over the age of 65.
Aging Gracefully: Urology Care for Seniors – What You Need to Know
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are several risk factors that contribute to erectile dysfunction in older men:
Aging gracefully means being educated about the risks you may face and how to prevent them.
Aging gracefully means being educated about the risks you may face and how to prevent them. For example, staying active and maintaining good mental health are both important factors in preventing diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
You should also take care of your diet, weight and lifestyle habits to help prevent other health issues as well.
Conclusion
Seniors are at risk for many health issues, including urological problems. However, these conditions can be treated and managed with the right care and knowledge. If you’re worried about aging gracefully, talk to your doctor about how he or she can help keep you healthy!
