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What Can Be Done for Male Incontinence?

Male urinary incontinence is a term used to describe urine leakage or loss of bladder control in men. It is not a single medical problem but is rather a collection of conditions and symptoms with a similar practical outcome. Common sources of difficulty include prostate enlargement, advancing age, urinary tract infections and complications of pelvic surgery. Treatment of incontinence varies according to its severity and underlying cause.

  1. Understanding Your Incontinence Symptoms

    • If you suffer from incontinence, your symptoms may belong to one of several categories. Urge incontinence is marked by a continual desire to urinate that suddenly becomes uncontrollable. Overflow incontinence makes you feel like your bladder never completely empties and is accompanied by unexpected urine leaks. Stress incontinence may cause urine leaks during everyday activities like sneezing, coughing or standing. If you have mixed incontinence, you may have continual leaking accompanied by symptoms of urge and stress incontinence. If you have normal bladder control, but suffer from other impairments that make it difficult for you to reach the bathroom in time, you may be diagnosed with functional incontinence.

    Treating Urge Incontinence

    • According to the University of Chicago Medical Center, you may address your urge incontinence in a number of ways. Begin by gaining awareness of your level of fluid intake and noting how much worsens your symptoms. Plan trips to the bathroom at certain times of the day, whether or not you consciously feel like urinating. You may also seek instruction in a bladder control technique called a Kegel exercise, which involves rhythmic contraction of the same muscles you would use to stop yourself from passing gas. Biofeedback, or conscious learning of the physical signs of urination, may help as well. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe any one of a number of incontinence medications, including antispasmodics and alpha blockers.

      If these approaches are unsuccessful, you may undergo one of several surgical procedures. Insertion of an artificial sphincter ring will help properly close the connection between your bladder and urethra. Your urethra may also be elevated using a device called a male sling. In some cases of advanced bladder damage, or bladder loss, you may undergo a procedure that allows your urine to be drained through a catheter or to an external bag.

    Treating Overflow Incontinence

    • If you suffer from overflow incontinence, your treatment will depend on the underlying causes of your condition. In cases where proper flow through your urethra is internally obstructed, the source of the obstruction must be cleared. Prostate enlargement is a common culprit here. If your bladder is no longer capable of contracting properly, you may need periodic or permanent placement of a catheter to help drain your urine.

    Treating Stress Incontinence

    • You may address your stress incontinence through Kegel exercises or other exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of your lower pelvis. You may also be treated through biofeedback, medication or surgery.

    Treating Mixed Incontinence

    • If you are diagnosed with mixed incontinence, your doctor will devise a treatment based on your particular blend of symptoms.

    Addressing Functional Incontinence

    • Address functional incontinence by planning regular trips to the bathroom and keeping your pathway to the bathroom clear.

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