MANopause Is Real and Might Be Why You're Leaking

Misconception has led many to believe that bladder leaks are just a 'woman' issue, and because of this idea, when men begin leaking, they begin feeling emasculated.

Men don't leak, right? Yes, they do.

While women go through menopause, the male equivalent does exist.

Andropause, often coined as the manopause.

What exactly is Andropause?

When men enter their 40s, they tend to experience a gradual decline in testosterone. It doesn't just drop all at once, but slowly, and over time, you begin to notice.

Your energy drops, your hair begins to fall, your muscle mass reduces, and your sex drive begins to fade.

These aren't the only signs, but they're the ones you begin to notice.

How does it lead to leaks?

Testosterone is very important due to the role it plays in maintaining muscle mass, nerve function and tissue tone. This includes the pelvic floor and bladder. So when it begins to drop, there are consequences.

• The bladder's ability to hold urine reduces.
• The prostate may enlarge, making urination harder to manage.
• Nerve signals to the bladder become less responsive.

Then you begin to notice. You feel more urgency to go to the loo, waking up at night needing to go, and you begin to dribble after you pee.

It's not about your age, it’s about hormonal depletion meeting physical breakdown.

Why does it hit men hard?

Men aren't conditioned to talk about this stuff. Many don't ever imagine it can happen to them. Some don't even know it happens to men at all.

So when it hits. It hits hard.

They think they're alone. Broken. Failing.

In reality, up to 1 in 5 men over 50 in the UK experience bladder control issues.

There could be many more, as it's not something men seek help for until it becomes unbearable.

What you can do

Don't just tell yourself to 'man up' and get on with it. That's a dangerous mindset and isn't going to help the matter. This is something you can manage.

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Think of the pelvic floor as the core of your bladder control. The more you strengthen it, the easier it becomes to manage. Doing Kegel exercises is one of the easiest ways you can improve bladder control and sexual function.

Watch what you put in your body

The things we consume play a big part in how our bodies function. Having a couple of beers or the daily coffee are all things that may trigger the bladder. While you don't have to go cold turkey, tracking and watching what you consume can help you take back some control.

Use protection

Protection does exist for exactly what you are going through, and it continues to improve. There are plenty of discreet, comfortable solutions on offer that can alleviate the fear of leaks.

You can even sample and find the perfect product for your needs before you buy.

You're not less of a man

We all age, our bodies change, and our testosterone levels will fluctuate. The one thing that doesn't change is who you are.

The Manopause is real, it's manageable, and you're not alone in dealing with it.

Bladder and bowel incontinence may be caused by conditions which can be treated medically. Please consult your physician for medical advice and guidance. All sources used in this article are cited below.