Urinary incontinence is common in older people, but it is not a “normal” part of ageing. Symptoms are usually influenced by several factors at once — medicines, chronic conditions, mobility and cognitive function — so it is worth looking at the problem as a whole.
Urinary incontinence in older adults — geriatric consultation
Urinary incontinence is common in older people, but it is not a “normal” part of ageing. Symptoms are usually influenced by several factors at once — medicines, chronic conditions, mobility and cognitive function — so it is worth looking at the problem as a whole.
About the problem
Incontinence may be stress-related (when coughing, sneezing or standing up), urge-related (a sudden, strong need to pass urine) or mixed.
In older adults, symptoms are often made worse by medicines such as diuretics or sleeping pills, as well as by urinary tract infections, constipation, diabetes, neurological conditions and reduced mobility that makes it hard to reach the toilet in time.
A geriatrician assesses these factors together: reviews the medicines taken, coexisting conditions and everyday functioning, and recommends further urological or gynaecological assessment if needed.
Most common symptoms
- leaking urine when coughing, sneezing or on exertion
- a sudden urge to pass urine that is hard to control
- frequent urination, also at night
- not reaching the toilet in time
- a feeling that the bladder is not fully emptied
- recurrent urinary tract infections
When to see a doctor
- when symptoms have appeared recently or clearly worsened
- when the problem started around the time of a new medicine or a dose change
- when it is accompanied by falls, memory problems or declining mobility
- promptly — when pain, burning, fever or blood in the urine appear
- urgently — when you cannot pass urine despite the urge