Urinary changes after 60: what’s common and what to discuss
Topic: Health Basics
Reading time: 2 min
If you’re waking at night to urinate, rushing to the bathroom, or leaking a little with coughs and laughs, you’re not alone. It’s common—and there are options.
Common patterns
- Urgency: sudden “gotta go now” feeling
- Frequency: needing to go often
- Nocturia: waking at night to urinate
- Stress incontinence: leaking with coughing/sneezing
Helpful first steps
- Review timing of fluids (drink more earlier, taper later).
- Limit bladder irritants if they bother you (caffeine, alcohol, very acidic drinks).
- Ask about pelvic floor physical therapy.
Get checked promptly if: you have pain/burning, fever, blood in urine, sudden inability to urinate, or new severe back/flank pain.
What to say at the visit
Try: “I’m waking up [X] times to urinate, and it’s affecting my sleep.” Or “I’m having leakage when I [cough/laugh/walk].”
What to ask your clinician
- “Could this be an infection or medication side effect?”
- “Would pelvic floor therapy help me?”
- “What treatments fit my health history?”
Ask your clinician (starter questions)
- “What’s the most likely explanation in my case?”
- “What serious causes are we ruling out?”
- “Could any medications or supplements contribute?”
- “What’s the simplest next step?”
- “What should make me call you sooner or seek urgent care?”
If you want to prepare for a visit, try the Doctor Visit Checklist. For general support, browse Topics.