Urologists warn of urinary health risks and bladder atrophy in aging populations

Medical experts are highlighting the importance of monitoring urinary changes and maintaining healthy bladder habits as populations age. At a recent medical seminar, urologists discussed Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in older men characterized by symptoms such as frequent urination, nocturia, weak urine flow, and urgency. Dr. Feng Si-zhong, President of the Asian Urological Association, noted that while BPH is a benign condition and distinct from prostate cancer, persistent symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and may lead to complications like urinary retention or infections.

Treatment options for BPH are increasingly diverse, ranging from lifestyle adjustments and medication to minimally invasive procedures like steam ablation. Doctors emphasize that treatment should be tailored to the individual's symptoms, prostate morphology, and overall health.

In a related clinical warning, specialists cautioned against poor bladder habits developed in youth. One case highlighted a 70-year-old woman whose bladder capacity had shrunk to less than 100 c.c.—roughly the size of a small yogurt drink—due to decades of low water intake and the habit of urinating whenever a restroom was available. Experts from Taichung Veterans General Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital advise that the bladder must perform its natural storage function. They recommend waiting until the bladder is approximately 70% to 80% full before urinating to prevent bladder sensitivity and muscle degradation.