ABSTRACT
The prevalence of bladder problems in men is lower than that in women at all ages (Table 13.1), but as in women, the prevalence of bladder problems increases in association with older age. Chronic infections, bladder stones, bladder tumors, and primary bladder pathology such as detrusor overactivity may cause such problems in men, whether or not secondary to a neurologic lesion. Incompetence of the urethral sphincter occurs rarely in men, and where it does occur it is usually due to trauma, surgery, or nervous system disease. The elderly experience the same bladder problems as other adults. Where the elderly differ, though, is in their ability to respond and to compensate for problems which a younger adult may find trivial. Concomitant disease and drug therapy, in particular, may serve to render an elderly person incontinent.
