Why do elderly women urinate frequently?

Increased frequency of urination in elderly women may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as urethritis and bladder stones. The details are as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

If an individual habitually drinks excessive amounts of water, the surplus fluid enters the bloodstream and reaches the kidneys, where glomerular reabsorption occurs. Excess water is then directed into the bladder and eventually excreted from the body, which may lead to increased urinary frequency in elderly women. This is considered a normal phenomenon.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Urethritis

Due to aging, elderly women often experience a gradual decline in immune function. If personal hygiene is neglected, bacteria from the external environment may enter the body through the urethral opening, leading to bacterial infection. Persistent inflammatory mediators can irritate the urethral mucosa, causing congestion and ulceration, which may result in increased urination frequency. It is recommended to take medications such as amoxicillin capsules or cefixime tablets under medical supervision.

2. Bladder Stones

In elderly women with bladder stones, the stones are not fixed within the bladder and may move along with body movements, irritating the bladder wall and impairing its ability to contract normally, thereby causing frequent urination. Patients should visit a hospital where treatment options such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) can be used to break up the stones.

Besides the above, tuberculosis of the bladder may also be a potential cause. It is advisable to maintain good genital hygiene and increase fluid intake appropriately to promote recovery.