Urinary Incontinence in Senior Citizens
Urinary incontinence (UI) is associated with aging; because of this, senior citizens (women especially) are most affected by it.
However, there are many ways that one can control this condition or treat the underlying causes that contribute to the problem like urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, constipation, or taking some medications.
It is important that senior citizens with UI and their caregivers consider the possible contributions to their condition in order to find the appropriate treatment.
If one is experiencing UI for long periods of time, it could be due to weak or overactive bladder muscles, damage to bladder muscles as a result of multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, diseases that affect movement like arthritis, and complications with the prostate in men.
As mentioned above, urinary incontinence involves loss of muscle control- both the muscles around the bladder and around the urethra (the tube that urine travels through) control urinating.
When the muscle functioning is disrupted somehow, release and retention of urine can be sporadic.
In order for a doctor to diagnose urinary incontinence, he/she will ask about the medical history of the patient or medications they may be taking that could contribute to the problem.
Sometimes, having a surgery or being ill can contribute to the problem.
Finally, doctors can perform urine or blood tests that measure the functioning of the bladder muscles, or they may encourage patients to keep a diary of urination in order to assess the extent of the problem.
Types of Urinary Incontinence Stress incontinence: This is the most common type of UI, it occurs more in younger and middle aged women (sometimes beginning around menopause).
This happens when urine is released after pressure is put on the bladder from exercise, laughing, sneezing, or exerting force.
Urge incontinence: This type of UI occurs as a result of strong urges that occur right before urinations, not leaving enough time to reach a bathroom before release.
This happens more often in senior citizens with other diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.
Overflow incontinence: This type is associated with the reduced ability to release urine properly, so small amounts leak from a constantly full bladder; this occurs most often in males with prostate issues, or people who have diabetes or spinal cord injuries.
Functional incontinence: This type is associated with decreased ability to move to the bathroom when one needs to, so this is more common in senior citizens who have difficulty moving to find and use a bathroom.
Treatment Urinary Incontinence is relatively easy to treat and the confidence and comfort gained with getting it under control makes bringing up the issue with a doctor worth it.
However, there are many ways that one can control this condition or treat the underlying causes that contribute to the problem like urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, constipation, or taking some medications.
It is important that senior citizens with UI and their caregivers consider the possible contributions to their condition in order to find the appropriate treatment.
If one is experiencing UI for long periods of time, it could be due to weak or overactive bladder muscles, damage to bladder muscles as a result of multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, diseases that affect movement like arthritis, and complications with the prostate in men.
As mentioned above, urinary incontinence involves loss of muscle control- both the muscles around the bladder and around the urethra (the tube that urine travels through) control urinating.
When the muscle functioning is disrupted somehow, release and retention of urine can be sporadic.
In order for a doctor to diagnose urinary incontinence, he/she will ask about the medical history of the patient or medications they may be taking that could contribute to the problem.
Sometimes, having a surgery or being ill can contribute to the problem.
Finally, doctors can perform urine or blood tests that measure the functioning of the bladder muscles, or they may encourage patients to keep a diary of urination in order to assess the extent of the problem.
Types of Urinary Incontinence Stress incontinence: This is the most common type of UI, it occurs more in younger and middle aged women (sometimes beginning around menopause).
This happens when urine is released after pressure is put on the bladder from exercise, laughing, sneezing, or exerting force.
Urge incontinence: This type of UI occurs as a result of strong urges that occur right before urinations, not leaving enough time to reach a bathroom before release.
This happens more often in senior citizens with other diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.
Overflow incontinence: This type is associated with the reduced ability to release urine properly, so small amounts leak from a constantly full bladder; this occurs most often in males with prostate issues, or people who have diabetes or spinal cord injuries.
Functional incontinence: This type is associated with decreased ability to move to the bathroom when one needs to, so this is more common in senior citizens who have difficulty moving to find and use a bathroom.
Treatment Urinary Incontinence is relatively easy to treat and the confidence and comfort gained with getting it under control makes bringing up the issue with a doctor worth it.
- Pelvic muscle exercises or Kegel exercises: This type of exercise strengthens the muscles that help contain urine.
Preferably while lying down, one locates the muscles used as if they were trying to stop urination and squeezes them for a count of three. - Biofeedback: Sensors help people become more aware of signals from the body.
- Timed voiding: People can set up a schedule for urinating every hour and work their way up from there.
- Lifestyle changes: Healthier living may help with other issues that may indirectly influence incontinence.
These could include losing weight, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, drinking less caffeine, preventing constipation, and avoiding lifting heavy objects. - Prescription drugs: There are some drugs that can aid in both release and containment of urine.
- In women, doctors can inject a substance that will help reinforce the area around the urethra and helps close the bladder opening.
- People can employ devices or opt for surgeries which can aid in incontinence.
- Special absorbent materials can be worn under the clothes.
