Effects of Aging on Bladder and Kidneys

 

 

Changes in the kidneys:
As the kidneys age, following events occur:

• Blood vessels supplying the kidneys can become hardened, causing the kidneys to filter blood more slowly
• Nephrons filter waste material from the blood
• Number of filtering units (nephrons) decreases
• Overall amount of kidney tissue decreases

 

Changes in the bladder:

• Blockage of the urethra: In women this is due to weakened muscles causing the bladder or vagina to fall out of position (prolapse).  In males the urethra can become blocked by an enlarged prostate gland
• The bladder muscles weaken
• The bladder wall changes with the elastic tissue becoming tough and the bladder becoming less stretchy.  The bladder cannot hold as much urine as before

In a healthy aging person, kidney function remains normal.  Illness, medications, and other conditions can affect the ability of the kidneys to function properly.

 

Common Problems:

• Aging increases the risk to kidney problems as well as bladder problems
• Bladder and other urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Bladder control issues (urinary incontinence or retention or leakage)
• Chronic kidney disease

 

If you have any of the following problems visit your care doctor:

• Signs of a urinary tract infection, including chills or fever, nausea and vomiting, low back pain, extreme tiredness
• Trouble urinating
• Urinary urgency (Sudden urination need)
• Urinating more often than usual
• Very dark urine or fresh blood in the urine

 

Aging Changes of Urinary System

 

Business of Aging Kidneys

 

How Aging Affects the Bladder

 

7 Tips for a Healthy Bladder