Bladder health and aging: Common symptoms, causes, and when to see a doctor

A sudden, urgent need to use the bathroom. A little—or a lot of—leakage while coughing, laughing or exercising. Too many nighttime wake-ups with a pressing need to go.

Changes in how well our bladder functions become more common as we age. While some may be manageable inconveniences, others can disrupt sleep, limit daily activities and affect our overall well-being.

The good news is two-fold: first, there are healthy habits that can help support bladder health. And second, many bladder problems can actually be treated or managed. Here’s what you should know about how your bladder changes with age, common signs of bladder health concerns and when to talk to a doctor.

How the bladder changes with age

Throughout the day, the bladder expands as it fills up with urine, then contracts to release it. As we age, however, changes in the bladder’s function, capacity and muscle strength can affect how often we need to urinate and how completely we are able to empty our bladders.

Other muscles and organs also play a role. With age, our pelvic floor muscles—which support the bladder and other pelvic organs—can weaken, contributing to urine leakage. In men, an enlarged prostate can obstruct the flow of urine, making it more difficult to empty the bladder and sometimes increasing the urge to urinate.

Common signs of bladder health concerns

For older adults, bladder health concerns include:

• Sudden, difficult-to-control urges to urinate
• Frequent urination, particularly more than eight times a day
• Multiple nighttime visits to the bathroom that disrupt sleep
• Incontinence, or accidental leakage, of urine
• Inability to fully empty your bladder
• Difficulty starting urination or controlling a steady stream
• Strong-smelling, cloudy or bloody urine
• Pain, burning or stinging when urinating

Bladder health’s connection to well-being

Bladder health can have an outsized impact on our overall well-being. Worrying about accidents or finding a bathroom quickly can cause older adults to limit time with loved ones, avoid social activities and feel increasingly isolated. Regular trips to the bathroom at night can interfere with a solid night’s sleep.

Urinary tract infections are another concern, particularly for older adults. UTIs occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract. Difficulty fully emptying the bladder can increase the risk of infection. Symptoms can include burning or pain while urinating, an increased urge to pee and discomfort in the lower abdomen.

If left untreated, UTIs can lead to serious complications, including kidney infections. Older adults with UTIs also may experience fever, confusion, falls, drowsiness and delirium. In fact, researchers have found that UTIs account for about 25 percent of all hospitalizations of older adults. If a UTI is suspected, it’s important to seek prompt treatment from a healthcare professional.

Healthy habits for bladder health

Three habits can help support bladder health and reduce some urinary leakage symptoms:

1. Stay hydrated. Drink enough fluid to stay hydrated. Six to eight cups daily is a general guideline, though individual needs may vary. Limiting caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, spicy foods and artificial sweeteners, which can trigger symptoms, can also help.
2. Go when you feel the urge. Avoid holding your urine for long periods of time. It’s normal to need to go every three to four hours. On the toilet, take your time to allow your bladder to empty completely.
3. Stay healthy. Maintaining a healthy weight means there is less stress and strain on your pelvic floor muscles. And a high-fiber diet can limit constipation, which also can put stress on your bladder. Kegel exercises can strengthen your pelvic floor. A healthcare provider can help you determine whether these exercises are right for you and teach you how to do them correctly.

When to talk to your doctor

Painful urination, blood in the urine and difficulty emptying your bladder all deserve prompt medical evaluation. But it’s always a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider about urinary symptoms that won’t go away or are impacting your quality of life. Lifestyle changes, medications and pelvic floor exercises can help ease even the annoying symptoms.

ArchWell Health can help. Our doctors can diagnose and treat bladder health issues, including UTIs. Reach out to an ArchWell Health clinic near you to request an appointment.