The Urinary System functions as a filter for the body to remove waste from the blood, creating urine that passes through the urinary tract. This consists of the kidney, ureters, bladder, and urethra. What is urological health?
Urological health that focuses on the Urinary System is commonly checked and monitored by urologists. They are also physicians and medical specialists who have knowledge and wisdom on internal medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, and other health aspects in relation to Urology.
Unfortunately, urological health complications are considered as one of the most common issues for the elderly; especially for those with dementia. These can be more complicated with other existing health problems in their bodies.
They are unable to properly communicate about the discomfort of the undiagnosed urological condition that they are experiencing. With elders being the most prone to urological health issues, they are supposed to receive real-time monitoring and care from their loved ones or anyone in charge of assisting them.
Some Examples of Urological Health Conditions
Dealing with urological health issues is easier when you are knowledgeable about the different conditions in the Urinary System.
Here are some of the conditions that might affect one’s urological health, which can also affect one’s general health and well-being:
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Common in younger children, this condition can be identifiable by abdominal pains and difficulty in releasing urine.
However, for adults with dementia, it attacks differently depending on their general health condition, with increased withdrawal as the most common symptom. This can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated immediately.
Urinary Incontinence
60% to 70% of people with Alzheimer’s disease are possible to develop incontinence or the sudden release of urine. It happens frequently during the day, but it can also happen at night through bed-wetting or getting up to urinate at least two times in one night.
Bladder Prolapse
Also called “fallen bladder,” this condition is common in women. When the vaginal wall that supports the bladder loosens and weakens after giving birth, the bladder will experience a prolapse which can cause urinary problems. This condition is also associated with menopause.
Male Infertility
It is the condition of having a low or abnormal sperm count released by the male reproductive system. This condition can be caused by the blockage of the tube which transports sperm cells to the urethra. However, this condition can be treated through medical or surgical procedures.
Enlarged Prostate
Also called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), it affects 1 out of 3 men around the age of 50. This urological problem is caused by the excessive growth of cells in the prostate gland that results in its enlargement, which also leads to urinary problems.
Kidney Failure
Kidneys clean the blood by making urine, but when it fails to function as a blood filter, it will start producing and retaining uncommon waste products. The most common symptom of kidney failure is releasing urine with blood. This condition may lead to death when not treated.
Urologic Cancer
These affect numerous urinary and reproductive body parts by both men and women. Under this condition are different types of urologic cancers such as bladder cancer, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, penile cancer, and urethral cancer.
Symptoms of Urological Health Conditions
Various urological health conditions can affect both men and women of any age, but most patients experiencing these conditions are elders. People living with dementia are more prone to urinary infections and diseases.
The symptoms are of a wide-range and can’t be specified immediately, but some identified common symptoms of urological problems are:
- Urinary incontinence or involuntary urination.
- Frequent urination during the day and night time.
- Urge incontinence or the sudden feel of releasing urine even if the bladder is not yet full.
- Difficulty in urinating which includes the feeling of discomfort, abdominal pain, and inability to urinate well.
- Releasing a massive volume of urine.
- Releasing a very small amount of urine.
People living with dementia have more specific symptoms such as confusion, social withdrawal, agitation, and sudden behavioral changes. In addition, they commonly experience incontinence and this does not mean that it is already a sign of a severe urological problem.
Ways to Help People with Urological Problems
You can help your loved ones who are dealing with these urological health conditions by:
- Guiding them to the bathroom. Urine leakage can also be prevented if you can accompany them from time to time, or whenever they need to release urine.
- Keeping them hydrated. The right amount of fluid consumption can reduce the risk of UTI. The regular amount of water to drink in a day is six to eight glasses.
- Maintaining proper hygiene. Make sure that their underwear – including what they use such as diapers, under pads and and even their beddings — are regularly changed and clean. Regular showers are also highly important. Proper hygiene can prevent the development of UTI.
Key Takeaways
Urological health conditions are a common issue for adults, especially for the elderly. There are different types of urological infections and diseases.
It becomes complicated when it strikes someone who already has another disease or health issue. However, these urological health conditions can be treated when diagnosed as early as possible. Unless it gets treated, this can be a life-threatening health issue.
Learn more about urological health, here.
