What Are the Causes of Nocturia in Elderly Men?

Frequent nighttime urination is a condition known as nocturia. Elderly men often suffer from this condition as a symptom of other diseases, medications being taken or simply because of changes the body undergoes as it ages.

Aging Body

As the body ages the bladder muscle becomes less able to hold the amount of liquid that it becomes filled with. It sends messages to the brain that it needs to be emptied more frequently than it used to.

Medication Side Effect

There are certain medications, especially those that are considered diuretics, which can cause frequent trips to the bathroom during the daytime and at night. Men with heart problems are often prescribed these medications in order to pull excess fluids from the body and to prevent congestive heart failure.

Enlarged Prostate

Elderly men often suffer from an enlarged prostate and this can cause more frequent trips to the bathroom, especially at night.

Considerations

There are medications which can be prescribed to help control nighttime urination.

Dangers

Frequent nighttime urination can interrupt sleep patterns and this can decrease the quality of life for the sufferer.

References

• The Permanente Journal
• British Medical Journal