What is Male Incontinence?
Male incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, which occurs when a man loses control over his bladder. This condition can vary in severity, ranging from occasional leaks to the inability to hold urine at all. It is more common in older men, though it can affect men of any age.
What Causes Male Incontinence?
Several factors can cause male incontinence, including prostate issues such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer treatment, which can weaken the urinary sphincter or bladder. Other causes include neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and injuries to the pelvic area.
What are the Symptoms of Male Incontinence?
Symptoms of male incontinence vary depending on the type. Stress incontinence involves leakage during physical activity or when coughing or sneezing. Urge incontinence is characterised by a sudden, intense urge to urinate, often leading to leakage before reaching the bathroom. Overflow incontinence results in constant dribbling or the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
Who is at Risk for Male Incontinence?
Men at higher risk for incontinence include those with prostate issues, especially those who have undergone prostate surgery or radiation therapy. Aging, obesity, smoking, and chronic diseases such as diabetes also increase the risk. Neurological conditions and previous pelvic surgeries can further elevate the risk.
How is Male Incontinence Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and tests like urinalysis or urodynamic studies to assess bladder function. Imaging studies such as ultrasounds or cystoscopies may also be performed to examine the urinary tract.
What are the Treatment Options for Male Incontinence?
Treatment for male incontinence depends on the underlying cause, type and severity of urinary leakage, as well as your overall health and previous treatments. Your urologist will assess your symptoms and discuss the most appropriate options, which may include:
- Non-invasive treatment: Non-invasive options, such as pelvic floor muscle therapy and the Emsella® Chair, may help strengthen the pelvic floor and improve bladder control in appropriate patients.
- Advanced Sling: An advanced male sling procedure may be recommended for selected men with stress urinary incontinence. The sling provides support to the urethra to help reduce urine leakage.
- Artificial Urinary Sphincter: An artificial urinary sphincter may be considered for men with more significant or persistent urinary incontinence, particularly when other treatments have not provided adequate improvement. The device helps restore control over urine flow.
- Bulkamid® injections: Bulkamid® injections may be considered as an injectable treatment option for appropriate patients. Your urologist can determine whether this treatment is suitable based on the cause and characteristics of your incontinence.
- Lifestyle and behavioural measures: Depending on your symptoms, your treatment plan may also include fluid management, bladder training, pelvic floor exercises and other conservative measures.
- Medications or other treatments: In some cases, medication or additional interventions may be recommended depending on the underlying cause of the incontinence.