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