Bladder Health and UTIs in Seniors: A New Approach
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be an uncomfortable and often recurring issue for seniors.
UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply leading to symptoms including frequent urination, a burning sensation during urination, and discomfort in the abdominal area.
Cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder, is one of the most common UTI symptoms. It is more prevalent in older adults due to factors including age-related changes in the urinary tract, bladder weakness and weakened immunity.
These can lead to incontinence and the need for disposable incontinence pads. The warm and moist environment created by wearing pads or padded underwear can create a breeding ground for bacteria that cause UTls.
High residual urinary volumes (not fully emptying the bladder which promotes bacterial growth) is also an issue and, for seniors in aged care, catheters can predispose to infection.
Prophylactic antibiotics are the standard treatment to prevent recurrent UTIs.
However, there are growing concerns about microbial resistance, side effects from treatment and lack of long-term benefit. In aged care, urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common infection treated with antibiotics, and antimicrobial resistance rates are higher in these facilities than other community or hospital settings.
Overall UTIs cost Australia's health system $909 million per year.
For decades, only the bacterial aspect of UTI has been considered but a holistic approach that supports overall urinary health can assist in reduction and prevention.
Herbal medicine has a recorded history of treating bladder incontinence and UTI symptoms
Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are increasingly researched for bladder and urinary tract health and provide an option for conservative management or when other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Seipel Group’s Urox® Bladder Control, a leading edge phytomedicine, has undergone 14 clinical trials including several RDBPCT, and an independent Mechanism of Action. It has been shown to:
- Stabilise bladder muscles
- Independently improve the tone of pelvic floor muscles
- Strengthen collagen and connective tissue of bladder and pelvic floor
- Stabilise neural stimulation of the bladder detrusor muscle (OAB)
- No anticholinergic/antimuscarinic effect
Urox® Bladder Control and UT Cleanse for treatment of UTIs
Urox® promotes a healthy bladder flush to help avoid bacterial build-up. By reducing the bacteria and oversensitivity of the bladder lining, Urox® reduces the likelihood of recurring UTI and Cystitis.*^
Pilot research with Urox was conducted over a 12-month period in women with recurring UTI and showed 62% experienced reduced frequency, duration and severity of infection and 31% were symptom-free throughout.
Seipel Group has recently launched UT Cleanse™, a comprehensive herbal formula with clinically researched PAC levels (i.e., proanthocyanidins, the active component found in cranberry) for relief of medically diagnosed cystitis^. UT Cleanse has a fourfold action to flush, cleanse, soothe and calm, and is formulated to help relieve inflammation, burning, irritation and frequency.
Understanding the connection between bladder function and UTIs in seniors enables caregivers and healthcare providers to better manage the incidence and impact of UTIs in older adults and improve their quality of life.
Find our more about Urox Bladder Control and UT Cleanse
*Schoendorfer et al, BMC-CAM, 2018. Zapala et al, Front. Mol Biosci, 2021. Steels et al, Unpublished research, 2006. For relief of symptoms of medically diagnosed overactive bladder. ^For relief of medically diagnosed cystitis. If pain or irritation persists for more than 48 hours consult your doctor. The presence of blood in the urine warrants immediate medical attention. Vitamins and/or mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.