As we age, a variety of physiological changes occur and affect our bodies, including bladder issues. If you find yourself running to the bathroom more frequently, here is what doctors say could be causing your urinary incontinence and what you can do about it.
• Caffeine. Consuming too much caffeine and alcohol can cause bladder irritation and more frequent urination because both are diuretics. “Limiting the consumption of coffee, soda, wine, cocktails — even chocolate — can help reduce the need to pee frequently,” says Dr. Andrew Y. Sun, a board-certified urologist.
• Type 2 diabetes. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Type 2 diabetes may trigger frequent urination because of a buildup of glucose in the blood, which forces the kidneys to work harder to filter and absorb extra sugar. When the kidneys cannot keep up, the extra sugar goes into the urine which could lead to frequent urination.
• Urinary tract infections. A urinary tract infection can also cause incontinence, says HuffPost. About 10 in 25 women and 3 in 25 men will have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) during their lifetime. As women age and go through menopause, the diminished estrogen causes the vaginal tissue to be dry, and as a result, women may not experience the typical telltale signs of a UTI such as pain but will experience frequent urination.
• Constipation. We tend to experience constipation more with age, which can lead to more urinary urgency as a full rectum and colon can put pressure on the bladder. Add more fiber to your diet, exercise, and stay hydrated to avoid constipation.
• Smaller bladder. Your bladder actually shrinks with age, say experts. This means that it takes less urine to trigger the urge to go because your bladder holds less. In addition, the elastic tissue becomes stiffer, and the bladder becomes less stretchy which tends to cause frequent urination.
• Medications and medical conditions. Diabetes or heart disease can lead to increased urine production, says Dr. Anat Sapan, a board-certified obstetrician. “Similarly, many medications, such as diuretics commonly used for high blood pressure, can increase urinary frequency,” she says.
• Enlarged prostate. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a health issue that becomes more common with age, says the Mayo Clinic. Your prostate gets bigger as you get older and can increase the urge to pee, especially at night. The condition can make it hard to urinate and prevent the bladder from fully emptying.
• Diminished estrogen. According to HuffPost, estrogen levels fall when people enter the early stages of menopause, also known as perimenopause. Estrogen is important in maintaining the strength of our bladder wall. And as the level of this hormone declines, the bladder wall becomes weak and more rigid, increasing the urge to urinate. You can check with your doctor and have your estrogen levels measured, especially if you experience breast tenderness, frequent urinary tract infections and bone loss.
• Pelvic organ prolapse. When one or more of the pelvic organs that include the bladder, bowels or uterus are not supported properly by the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments, it can cause pressure on your front vaginal wall where residual urine can hang out, said Sara Reardon, a pelvic physical therapist. “Then you feel like you don’t empty completely and shorty after peeing, you may feel like you have to go again,” she said. Your doctor can recommend helpful exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor.