5 Reasons Men Should Focus On Their Bladder Health Post-40s

{By: Dr Tarun Dilip Javali}

As men step into their 40s, subtle changes may already be occurring with their bladder health often undetected until it begins to affect their daily lives. A man should begin to pay attention and make bladder health a priority in his 40s and beyond.

Here are five excellent reasons why men should pay attention to their bladder health after they turn 40.

ALSO READ: Don’t Ignore High BP – Your Kidneys Are At Risk

1. Increased Risk For Prostate Problems

The prostate naturally enlarges with age known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and compresses the urethra producing symptoms of frequent urination. Roughly 50% of men will have significant BPH symptoms by the age of 50 and risk increases with every decade. Diet, exercise, and hydration can impact their health outcomes but to really help alleviate symptoms, they need to talk with their urologist.

2. Increased Risk For Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence can happen due to muscle weakness of the bladder or pelvic floor muscles, nerve damage (i.e., diabetic neuropathy or other neuropathies) or urinary problems due to prostate issues. Though they can be very embarrassing, urinary incontinence and other bladder control issues can often be helped if caught early.

3. Increased Risk For Bladder Infections (UTI)

Clearing the bladder is important to avoid bladder infections. If you do not completely empty your bladder the urine that stays in your bladder may produce bacteria. Urinary tract infections are common and can be caused by uncontrolled blood sugar levels in diabetics, urethral stricture, prostate enlargement, voiding dysfunction and chronic constipation etc.

4. Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) Are Very Common And Tend To Increase With Age In Indian Men

A study from urban clinics in Bangalore published in 2021 found LUTS symptoms to be present in 85% of men over the age of 50 with the following specifics: nocturia was present in 85.4% and weak stream in 35%. In addition to these symptoms being common, moderate to severe LUTS symptoms were associated with poor quality of life; however, only 9.3% of men took steps to seek medical care. Reasons for not seeking care included embarrassment and lack of knowledge or awareness.

5. Untreated Bladder Conditions In Indian Men Can Lead To Significant Kidney Issues

Chronic urinary retention (or bladder problem) usually associated with prostate enlargement can lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder and risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs). These UTIs can progress to the kidneys (with a risk for pyelonephritis), lead to sepsis and chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is critically important to diagnose and manage bladder dysfunction early because untreated urinary retention and recurrent UTI will be doubly destructive to the kidneys, and not infrequently lead to complications which may be life threatening.

Identifying potential issues such as prostate problems, incontinence, and UTIs early on will help to optimise your quality of life and prevent serious kidney problems. Don't let embarrassment or lack of knowledge hold you back from speaking to your doctor about your symptoms, taking control of your bladder health is as easy as seeing your urologist.

The author, Dr Tarun Dilip Javali, is a Consultant and H.O.D., at Department of Urology, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

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