URINARY obstructions or obstructive uropathy is characterized by total or partial difficulty in eliminating urine, which results in a series of structural and functional disorders in the urinary tract.

Older adults should be attentive to this problem, because while it may appear at any age, it is more common in men, particularly those over 60. This greater incidence is a result of the fact that after that age, the risks of benign hyperplasia and prostate cancer increase considerably. Such difficulties may be an obstacle to those who aspire to live longer and better, and even to the age of 120.

Another frequent cause of obstruction is urinary calculi or stones, which are more common in men 20 to 40 years old.

Tumors and radiation of the pelvis and urological instrumentation are very common causes of this type of disorder in women.

Difficulty in eliminating urine will cause its accumulation in the urinary tract (bladder, ureters, kidney), which in turn leads to a series of disorders throughout the entire system.

The type and magnitude of clinical manifestations will depend on where the obstruction is produced and the speed at which it occurs.

The accumulation of urine results in a dilation of the bladder, ureters and the rest of the urine collection system, which causes symptoms of pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen or in the testicles and the labia majora of the vulva, depending on whether the location is higher or lower.

If the obstruction is total, urine will not be eliminated, leading to kidney failure if emergency measures are not taken. When the obstruction is partial, periods of an increased volume of urine may alternate with periods of reduction. As urinary infections are not frequent in men, a urinary obstruction should always be suspected when symptoms appear.

It is different for women, given that it is more common for them to suffer urinary infections, which are manifested by pain in the lumbar region, fever and difficulty urinating.

It is very common for men to go to the doctor for weakened flow and consistency of urine, along with slowness, dripping after urinating, an urgent sensation of having to go, and increased frequency of nighttime urination.

For these types of disorders, it is very important to implement therapeutic measures swiftly, because of the serious and irreparable consequences that they can lead to, and because many of the causes can be corrected on time.

Another problem is urinary incontinence, which is the involuntary loss of urine that causes disorders that affect both hygienic and social well-being.

With aging, a series of changes takes place in the urinary system that can lead to the development of incontinence, including diminished ability to store urine and to postpone urination and an increased volume of urine and decreased functional length of the urethra.

While it may appear in individuals from any age group, it predominates among older adults. Some 15 to 20% of older adults suffer from incontinence.

Incontinence brings all kinds of problems. From the medical point of view, these may include repeated urinary and genital infections, eruptions and ulcers in the genital area, and from the psychosocial point of view, they feel very ashamed; frequently isolate themselves and become depressed.