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Bladder health across the life course

P Ellsworth1, D Marschall-Kehrel, S King

  • 1University Urological Associates Inc., Brown University, Providence, RI 02905, USA. pamelaellsworth@aol.com

International Journal of Clinical Practice
|April 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Bladder health is influenced throughout life by age, sex, and life events, but problems are not inevitable. Adopting healthy bladder habits can prevent or reverse issues, improving overall well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Public Health
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Bladder health is influenced from infancy through lifespan.
  • Anatomy and physiology change with age, affecting bladder conditions like lower urinary tract symptoms.
  • Life stage, sex, and events impact bladder health, with habits at one stage affecting future health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight that bladder problems are not a normal part of aging.
  • To emphasize that many factors negatively impacting bladder health are modifiable.
  • To promote healthy bladder habits for prevention and reversal of dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Review of factors influencing bladder health across the lifespan.
  • Analysis of age, sex, and life event specific risks for bladder conditions.
  • Examination of the impact of bladder habits and dysfunctions on long-term health.

Main Results:

  • Bladder health is dynamic and influenced by cumulative factors.
  • Negative impacts on bladder health can often be modified through habit changes.
  • Early and ongoing healthy bladder habits are crucial for maintaining function.

Conclusions:

  • Bladder dysfunction is not an inevitable consequence of aging.
  • Promoting healthy bladder habits can prevent or mitigate bladder issues.
  • Public health initiatives and research are needed to improve bladder health and quality of life.

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