Older people tend to suffer from various types of urinary tract problems, among which increased frequency of urination is quite common. Frequent urination can have a disparaging effect on the patient. Those who face these problems can prevent them from participating in social activities and traveling; they may feel anxious and frustrated. They may experience irritation of the genitals and skin rashes may occur due to frequent urination. Frequent urination can also lead to fluid loss (dehydration). The reasons behind the increased frequency of urination in the elderly can be several.
The first of these are changes that occur in the urinary bladder due to aging. It mainly involves weakness of the bladder muscles that control the urination process and a reduced ability of the bladder to hold as much urine as before, due to stiffening of the bladder tissue and its reduced extensibility with age. The second cause may be overactive bladder, a condition in which a person has a sudden, irresistible urge to urinate and has to urinate frequently. It can then arise from bladder dysfunction, either due to weak bladder muscles or faulty nerve signals. In men, an enlarged prostate (BPH – benign prostate enlargement) remains one of the main causes of frequent urination. UTI (urinary tract infection) is also common in the elderly and can cause frequent urination along with other symptoms including pain/burning during urination, the urge to urinate, lower abdominal pain and foul-smelling urine. Urinary retention in the elderly can also be a cause where the bladder does not empty completely at a time that causes frequent urges to urinate to empty the remaining urine from the bladder.
In women, prolapse of the uterus/bladder into the vagina can cause frequent urination. The other causes are diabetes mellitus, stress, anxiety, sleep problems and the use of certain medications, such as diuretics (drugs that increase the amount of urine) and medications to treat high blood pressure. Depending on the cause, frequent urination may be accompanied by other symptoms, including urge to urinate, pain/burning during urination, involuntary passage of urine (urinary incontinence), weak urine stream, difficulty urinating, and lower abdominal pain. In the elderly, the frequency of urination may further increase at night, also known as nocturia. It tends to disrupt sleep and leads to fatigue, drowsiness and mood swings during the day.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy is very effective in controlling the increased frequency of urination in the elderly along with the use of natural remedies. These drugs are completely safe to use as they are prepared from naturally occurring substances and have no side effects. Homeopathic medicines are great at helping to manage this problem by working to resolve the underlying cause. Besides frequent urination, all associated symptoms such as urge to urinate, pain/burning during urination, involuntary urination, weak urine flow and lower abdominal pain are also excellently controlled with these medications. An increased frequency of urination in the elderly can have several causes. Therefore, it is advised to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Homeopathic medicines are selected for each individual individually after detailed case evaluation based on the symptom presentation which varies from case to case. So one should take any homeopathic medicine under the supervision of a homeopath and avoid self-medication.
Homeopathic medicines for increased urinary frequency
1. Baryta Carb – Top remedy
Baryta Carb is a leading homeopathic medicine for treating cases of increased urinary frequency in the elderly. The urine excreted is also abundant in cases that require it. There is irritation of the bladder with an increased urge to urinate, especially at night. In addition to the increased frequency, there is also an urgency to urinate. A burning sensation during urination may be present. After urination, urine loss may occur drop by drop.
2. Sabal Serrulata – For frequent urination due to an enlarged prostate (BPH)
Sabal Serrulata is a very suitable medicine to treat frequent urination from an enlarged prostate. This drug is most recommended for people who have constant urges to urinate at night. There is always a feeling that the bladder is full. Pain is felt when the person begins to urinate. This medicine also helps prevent urine dripping in prostate enlargement.
3. Lycopodium – For increased frequency at night
Lycopodium is a well indicated medicine for cases of frequent urination at night. The urine excreted at night is quite copious. It may take effort to start urinating. A burning sensation is felt during urination and sometimes even after urination.
4. Merc Sol – For frequent urination and obvious urgency
Merc Sol is recommended if there is increased frequency of urination with urgency to urinate. The individuals who need it have a sudden urge to urinate immediately. The frequency of urination is high, both during the day and at night. In many cases, there may be a desire to urinate every hour. There may be a burning sensation during and after urination. The bladder may be painful when touched.
5. Conium – For difficulty initiating urination
Conium is a quite effective medicine if you have frequent urination and difficulty urinating. Another characteristic feature is intermittent urine flow, which means that urine starts and stops many times until the bladder is completely emptied. Urine feels warm. Pressure is felt around the bladder.
6. Sepia – For frequent urination due to uterine prolapse
Sepia is of great value in controlling frequent urination in women due to uterine prolapse. A feeling of fullness and pressure are felt in the lower abdomen. A cutting or burning pain is felt when urinating. There is a feeling of pressure in the pelvis. The pressure on the bladder often causes an urge to urinate. There is also a sudden urge to urinate, and if the urge to urinate is not immediately overcome, the urine passes involuntarily. Urine may have an unpleasant odor. In addition, it is an important medicine to help cases of involuntary urination during coughing or sneezing.
7. Cantharis – In Case of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Cantharis is best suited for frequent urination and urinary tract infections. In cases where this is necessary, a person often urinates with pain/burning during, before or after urination. Even the smallest amount of urine in the bladder causes the urge to urinate. The urge to urinate is greater while standing and walking, while it gets better while sitting. Heaviness is felt in the bladder, which is sensitive to touch.
8. Causticum – With involuntary passage of urine
It is an important medicine for people who suffer from frequent urination and sometimes involuntary urination. Although there is often an urge to urinate, little urine is excreted each time a person urinates. During urination, pain and itching may be felt in the urethra. It is also well indicated if urine is involuntarily discharged while coughing, sneezing or blowing the nose.
9. Phosphoric acid – in case of diabetes
This medicine is prominently indicated if frequent urination is related to diabetes. Individuals who require this have a frequent urge to urinate, and the urination is profuse. The frequency increases at night. They have to wake up several times during the night to urinate. Excessive weakness may be accompanied by frequent urination.
10. Kreosote – with smelly urine
The use of Kreosote may be considered if the urine smells and the frequency increases. There is copious urination during the day, in addition to an increased frequency. There is also a need to rush to urinate when the desire to urinate occurs. The other complaints include a feeling of a lump pressing against the bladder.