- 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
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- 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
- 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
- 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
