What causes urinary incontinence in middle-aged and elderly people, and how should it be managed?
Sep 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Urinary incontinence in middle-aged and elderly individuals may be caused by factors such as aging, muscle relaxation, decreased bladder function, urinary tract infections, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and diabetes. To prevent urinary incontinence, middle-aged and older adults should pay attention to pelvic floor muscle exercises, maintain good hygiene to prevent urinary tract infections, monitor prostate health, and seek timely medical evaluation if related symptoms occur.
In general, urinary incontinence in middle-aged and elderly individuals may be caused by factors such as aging and muscle relaxation, decreased bladder function, urinary tract infections, benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement), diabetes, and other conditions. If the above situations occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Aging and Muscle Relaxation
With advancing age, the pelvic floor muscles and urethral sphincter in middle-aged and elderly individuals gradually lose elasticity and tone, leading to reduced urethral closure ability and an inability to effectively control urine outflow, thereby resulting in urinary incontinence. Regular muscle training can help improve this condition by increasing the tone of the urethral sphincter.
2. Decreased Bladder Function
The contractility and elasticity of the bladder tend to weaken gradually in older adults, reducing the bladder's capacity to store urine. When the volume of urine in the bladder reaches a certain level, urine may involuntarily leak due to ineffective bladder contraction, causing urinary incontinence. It is important to avoid holding urine and to develop a habit of urinating at regular intervals.
3. Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections are caused by pathogens such as bacteria invading the urinary tract. These microorganisms can infect the bladder and urethra, causing inflammation and stimulating the bladder wall, which leads to the aforementioned symptoms. Symptoms may include fever and chills. Treatment should be conducted under a doctor’s guidance using medications such as levofloxacin tablets, cefuroxime axetil tablets, or nitrofurantoin enteric-coated tablets.
4. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Prostate Enlargement)
Aging and elevated levels of male hormones in the body are common contributing factors. An enlarged prostate can compress the urethra, increase resistance during urination, impair detrusor muscle function in the bladder, and ultimately lead to urinary incontinence. Symptoms may include hematuria (blood in urine) and urinary retention. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as finasteride tablets, alfuzosin hydrochloride sustained-release tablets, or Qianlieshutong capsules.
5. Diabetes
Diabetes may result from genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyles, or abnormal immune function. Prolonged high blood glucose levels can cause nerve damage, affecting the function of the bladder detrusor muscle and urethral sphincter, thus leading to urinary incontinence. Symptoms may include frequent urination, weight loss, and blurred vision. Medications such as glyburide tablets, metformin hydrochloride tablets, and acarbose tablets should be used according to medical instructions.
To prevent urinary incontinence, middle-aged and elderly individuals should pay attention to pelvic floor muscle exercises in daily life, maintain good hygiene habits to prevent urinary tract infections, monitor prostate health, and seek prompt medical evaluation if related symptoms arise.
