Overview

What Is Urinary Incontinence?

The urinary sphincter contracts to keep urine in the bladder in a normally functioning urinary system. It’s located just below the prostate and gets its support from the structures above and below it, as well as the pelvic floor muscles. Tiny nerves that run close to the prostate regulate its activity.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is the unintentional loss of bladder control and urine leakage. It’s a widespread issue that can severely compromise people’s quality of life. As a result, many people with this condition avoid sports and physical activity altogether for fear of embarrassing accidents.

The severity ranges from occasionally releasing urine when coughing or sneezing to an urge to urinate that is so immediate and intense.

Symptoms of Male Urinary Incontinence

Incontinence can occur at any age, although older men are more likely to experience it. Men who have had their prostates removed due to cancer are also at increased risk for developing UIs.

Common signs of urine incontinence in men include:

• Dribbling urine after urination.
• Involuntary urination during physical activity or while sneezing, coughing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects.
• Incapacity to contain urine till reaching the bathroom.
• Leaking urine at night.
• The need to urinate more frequently.
• Experiencing a sudden, urgent urge to urinate.

Types Of Urinary Incontinence

An individual may experience either temporary or chronic urinary incontinence (chronic). Many medical conditions and forms of treatment can cause temporary incontinence.

• Stress incontinence

Stress incontinence is when the bladder leaks urine under stress or pressure, such as during a sneeze, cough, laugh, or the lifting of heavy objects.

• Urge incontinence

This occurs when a person has such a strong need to urinate that they are unable to make it to the restroom in time. This condition also develops when the bladder contracts unnecessarily. This can take place even if there is just a small amount of urine in the bladder. Some people experience urge incontinence due to an overactive bladder. However, not all people with overactive bladder experience leaking.

• Overflow incontinence

Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder fails to empty properly, resulting in urine leakage later on. This occurs when the bladder’s muscular tone is inadequate or the urethra becomes obstructed. These obstructions may be caused by an enlarged prostate or a constricted urethra.

• Total incontinence

Total incontinence is characterised by constant urine loss. It occurs when the sphincter muscle becomes ineffective.

• Functional incontinence

This condition is uncommon. It occurs when you are unable to reach the bathroom in time to urinate.

What Causes Male Incontinence?

Identifying the underlying cause of incontinence symptoms can assist you and your doctor in initiating treatment.

Common causes of male urinary incontinence include the following:

• Chronic cough.
• UTIs, or infections of the bladder and urethra.
• An obstruction in the urinary tract.
• Weak pelvic floor or bladder muscles.
• Loss of sphincter strength.
• Nerve damage.
• Enlarged prostate.
• Prostate cancer.
• Neurological disorders that interfere with bladder control signals.
• Smoking
• Consuming alcohol
• Physical inactivity

Diagnosing Male Urinary Incontinence

Your specialist will examine your medical history and present incontinence difficulties. In addition, you will undertake some advanced tests, including:

• Urine flowmetry analysis.
• Bladder diary assessment.

The findings of these tests will advise the selection of the most appropriate treatment.

Male Urinary Incontinence Treatment

Some patients may require a number of different therapies. In most cases, your health provider will suggest non-invasive therapies first and then progress to more drastic measures if necessary.

• Lifestyle changes: Changes in one’s way of life may help alleviate some people’s symptoms of urine incontinence. Bladder training, double urination, and regular bathroom breaks are all options. The medical staff may suggest cutting back on bladder-stimulating substances, including alcohol, caffeine, and acidic meals.
• Pelvic floor exercises: Performing Pelvic floor muscle exercises regularly can help you maintain a healthy bladder and penis by strengthening the muscles that regulate urination.
• Medication: Alpha blockers can relax the bladder neck muscles and prostate muscle fibres, making it simpler to empty the bladder. Other medications can be used to relax the bladder muscle and enhance the bladder’s capacity for urine.
• Urethral Bulking: Injecting specially formulated gels enlarges the bladder’s outlet, increasing the pressure required for urine to be released. This reduces urine leakage in patients who previously leaked urine with the slightest effort or movement.

FAQ

Is male incontinence a sign of prostate cancer?

It is a common misunderstanding that leaks and dribbles may indicate prostate cancer. Although there are few early warning symptoms, both family history and nutrition can be risk factors. Consult your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your risks or any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Should I drink fewer liquids?

Drinking water is the best choice, and it’s recommended that you drink 6-8 glasses daily. Reducing your bladder’s capacity to hold fluid beyond this point can exacerbate your incontinence, which is unwanted. Also, dehydration and constipation contribute to urinary incontinence, so drinking plenty of water is essential.

Can I prevent male urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence and bladder leakage are not always avoidable. The key to effective prevention is identifying and addressing the underlying cause. However, if you keep a healthy weight, practise Kegels, increase your fibre intake, and give up smoking, you can improve your bladder health and even head off future issues. Additionally, avoiding bladder irritants such as caffeine, acidic foods, and alcohol can be beneficial.