Urethral Closure Pressure Changes with Age in Men

PURPOSE: The natural history of external urethral sphincter function in elderly men is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 257 men 45 to 88 years old external sphincter function changes with aging were analyzed by urodynamic studies, including functional urethral length, maximal urethral pressure, sphincter length and maximum urethral pressure during voluntary contraction. RESULTS: Mean functional urethral length was 51.9 mm. and there was no statistical decrease with age. However, sphincter length decreased with age from 24.3 to 14.8 mm., maximal urethral pressure from 88.7 to 55 cm. water and maximal urethral pressure during voluntary contraction from 221.4 to 166.3 cm. water. CONCLUSIONS: Sphincter function according to urethral pressure profile decreases with patient age.