What are the reasons for frequent urination in elderly women

Frequent urination in elderly women may be related to cystitis, urinary tract infection, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, diabetes, prostatic hyperplasia and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical examination in a timely manner, clarify the cause, and receive targeted treatment.

1. Cystitis

Cystitis is a common cause of frequent urination in elderly women, mainly manifested as urgency, pain during urination, and discomfort in the lower abdomen. Cystitis is often caused by bacterial infection, and elderly women are more susceptible to infection due to decreased estrogen levels and weakened defense function of the urethral mucosa. You can follow the doctor's advice to use antibiotics such as levofloxacin, cefuroxime, and phosphomycin for treatment, while also paying attention to drinking plenty of water and keeping the perineum clean.

2. Urethral infection

Urethral infection can lead to frequent urination, urgency, and burning sensation during urination. The urethra of elderly women is short and straight, and bacteria are prone to ascending infections. Common pathogenic bacteria include Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, etc. Treatment should be based on the results of urine culture to select sensitive antibiotics, such as nitrofuran, amoxicillin, clavulanate potassium, etc. Avoid holding urine in daily life and pay attention to personal hygiene.

3. Pelvic floor muscle relaxation

Multiple childbirths, aging, and other factors can lead to pelvic floor muscle relaxation, causing stress urinary incontinence and urinary frequency. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, leaking urine, and an increase in nighttime urination frequency. Kegel exercises can be used to enhance pelvic floor muscle strength, and in severe cases, surgical treatment such as mid urethral suspension may be considered.

4. diabetes

Polyuria caused by diabetes will lead to increased urination frequency. High blood sugar increases the concentration of glucose in glomerular filtration fluid, leading to osmotic diuresis. Patients often experience symptoms such as excessive drinking, overeating, and weight loss. Diagnosis should be confirmed through blood glucose monitoring, glycated hemoglobin testing, and the use of hypoglycemic drugs to control blood sugar according to medical advice.

5. Prostate hyperplasia

Although prostate hyperplasia is more common in men, similar symptoms can also occur in elderly women with bladder neck obstruction. Obstruction of the bladder outlet leads to difficulty urinating and increased residual urine, manifested as frequent urination, thinning of the urine stream, and difficulty urinating. It can be diagnosed through urodynamic examination, mild symptoms can be treated with medication, and severe cases require surgery to relieve obstruction. When elderly women experience frequent urination symptoms, it is recommended to keep a urine diary, including daily urination frequency, urine volume, accompanying symptoms, etc., to provide reference for doctors' diagnosis. Daily fluid intake should be controlled at night, avoiding diuretic drinks such as coffee and alcohol. Maintain moderate exercise to enhance pelvic floor muscle strength. Pay attention to genital hygiene and choose breathable cotton underwear. The diet should be light and limit the intake of high sugar foods. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly at the urology or gynecology department for relevant examinations such as urine routine and urinary ultrasound to avoid delaying treatment.