A large population of aging adults experiences complication in their genitourinary health. Often, this is caused by the lapsing of various urinary organs and reproductive system. The most common form of Urinary Infections (UI), are the UTIs, which refer to inflammation and infection of the glands of the urinary bladder. These complications are experienced by both genders with the women having a higher predisposition (Detweiler, Mayers, & Fletcher, 2015). Due to the physical layout of the female genitalia, women are more common to contract UTIs. The most frequent urological concerns in the aging population include Urinary Incontinence, Dysuria, and Urethral Hypermobility, among others. Unwanted bacteria cause urinary Tract Infections within the geriatric urological system. Often, if such bacteria outnumber the healthy ones, the individual develops certain strains of UTIs. The Escherichia Coli and Proteus bacteria are responsible for up to 90% of UTIs in women and men, respectively. Dysuria is a condition such that one experiences a burning sensation on urination. This condition affects both women and men in equal measure. Common symptoms of this disease include bladder problems and failure of the renal system. However, menopause contributes to a significant extent, the prevalence of urological concerns in women. Lower levels of estrogen and general dryness of the female genital during this life stage predispose women to develop urethral complications. Urinary incontinence, the involuntary release of urine from the bladder is of significant concern in the elderly. In the US, this condition is common, especially in geriatric care. In women, it can be as a result of pregnancy, estrogen deficiency, and pelvic manipulation. Prostate issues, history of UTIs, and unmanaged diabetes are risk factors for developing this condition in men. Patients usually experience embarrassment and a resulting decrease in the quality of life due to the need for pull-ups and adult pads to avoid soiling themselves. Moreover, there occurs an apparent cost burden for the purchase of such products and admission into adult-care homes. Management and treatment of UTIs are necessary to reinstate the life of such patients. As a health provider of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), I would advocate for minimally invasive procedures to manage and treat such conditions. Treatments aimed at shrinking the prostate and relaxing bladder glands will focus on improving the response of urological patients (Hoey & Shadduck, 2016). Optimal goals and intention of treatment would be to lower the urgency and incontinence symptoms and improve patient’s quality of life. Ultimate diagnosis in urology requires intrinsic physical examination and workup. As a health provider, performing a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) on patients promises accurate diagnosis, and therefore, the proper course of treatment. The DRE results in findings such as enlarged bladders and prostates weakened pelvic floors, and pudendal nerve damage, all of which are symptoms of various abnormalities within the urological system. Additional tests such as vaginal, pelvic, and cough exams aid in establishing the extent of genitourinary damage within the system of the patient. Upon satisfactory diagnosis, geriatric care calls for developing a counseling plan to help the patient through the healing process. Some management guidelines for recovering patients include pelvic kegel exercises, bladder control training, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle modification. The AUA has put in place strict regulations in PSA levels, especially in urological clinical care (Bekelman et al., 2018). For this reason, I have to maintain the highest standards of professionalism in delivering this form of geriatric care. Counselling also aids in countering side effects such as abnormal ejaculation, edema, and nausea as a result of medication. References Bekelman, J. E., Rumble, R. B., Chen, R. C., Pisansky, T. M., Finelli, A., Feifer, A., … & Morgan, T. M. (2018). Clinically localized prostate cancer: ASCO clinical practice guideline endorsement of an American urological association/American society for radiation oncology/society of urologic oncology guideline. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 36(32), 3251-3258. Detweiler, K., Mayers, D., & Fletcher, S. G. (2015). Bacteriuria and urinary tract infections in the elderly. Urologic Clinics, 42(4), 561-568. Hoey, M., & Shadduck, J. H. (2016). US Patent No. 9,345,507. Washington, DC: US Patent and Trademark Office. INSTRUCTOR QUESTION BASED ON THE THIS DISCUSSION ABOVE I am glad to read of your desire to utilize PSA results to help guide the care of your patient population. class – what OTC or prescription medications can influence a PSA level? That is, what medications, when taken, may result in an abnormal high or low PSA level?
