Study links urinary symptoms in men to increased mortality risk at University of Tampere

A recent doctoral study from the University of Tampere has revealed a link between urinary symptoms in men and an increased risk of mortality. Jonne Åkerla, a licentiate of medicine, investigated how these symptoms affect male mortality over a ten-year follow-up period.

The research highlights that urinary symptoms are associated with several diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, which contribute to a higher risk of death. Previous research has largely focused on nocturia, but Åkerla’s findings indicate that even an increased need to urinate during the day can elevate mortality risk, albeit slightly.

Urgency to urinate refers to a sudden and compelling need to relieve oneself. Åkerla examined how the impact of this condition evolves among middle-aged and older men over the span of the study. Previously, there was limited information on this matter.

The study revealed that mild urinary urgency is a common issue that is generally well-tolerated. In contrast, significant urinary urgency is relatively rare, but when it does occur, it can cause considerable distress, and habituation to the symptoms is not common, according to Åkerla’s research findings.