An Introduction to Male Incontinence
What are the most common types of bladder problems in men?
Common symptoms of bladder issues include:
- Often feeling the urge to urinate
- Difficulty initiating urination
- Frequent urination at night
- Intermittent or weak urine stream
- A feeling that the bladder is not empty after urinating
- Urinary dribbling
These symptoms may be uncomfortable and possibly embarrassing. The best way to find out what type of bladder problem you're dealing with and to receive help and treatment, is to consult a doctor. They will be able to determine and understand the cause of your symptoms, and provide answers as to what treatment best fits you.
If you're looking for more information, read below for details about the main types of urinary incontinence.
Urge urinary incontinence
The most common type of incontinence in men, Urge incontinence, refers to a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage of urine. One of the main causes of urge incontinence in men is an enlarged prostate. An enlarged prostate makes it difficult to empty your bladder fully and gives the sensation of needing to urinate, even when you don't have to. This can happen during the night and be very inconvenient and uncomfortable. Other causes may be bladder irritation from infection or stones, or a result of nerve or brain diseases such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis. Sometimes the cause of urge urinary incontinence remains unknown.
Stress urinary incontinence
Stress incontinence refers to involuntary leakage that occurs when you experience pressure on your bladder from activities such as sneezing, laughing, or heavy lifting. This type of incontinence is not common for men in general, but some men may develop it after prostate surgery. It occurs when the sphincter or pelvic floor muscles and ligaments that support the bladder are too weak to hold urine.
Post micturition drip
Many men over the age of 60 experience post-micturition drip (PMD), but it can affect men of a younger age as well. PMD is the occurrence of small involuntary leaks immediately after urination and is the result of urine remaining in the urethra. It can be caused by weakness of the pelvic floor muscles that surround the urethra. This condition is treatable with pelvic floor muscle exercise or "milking" the urethra after voiding.
When urine remains in the urethra, dribbling may occur after urination. To help the remaining urine pass, you can "milk" the urethra. This is done by gently pressing the urethra behind the scrotum to expel trapped urine.
How to improve
There are various ways to improve bladder control. Diagnosis and treatment of an enlarged prostate is crucial. Pelvic floor exercises and limiting alcohol and caffeine intake are small changes that will help reduce the sensation of urgency. Knowing which products are best for you is essential. Our Client Coordinator can provide guidance in helping manage your urinary incontinence by finding the right absorbent product for your needs. The best way to start regaining control is to consult with your doctor so that you can find the solution for your particular situation.
Find other useful tips and advice as well as useful exercises on our website.