June 17, 2022

Men and Incontinence

Men and Incontinence

13th-19th June International Men’s Health Week 2022

Incontinence isn’t a disease, but rather a symptom. Both men and women experience incontinence. As we age we develop we might experience symptoms of incontinence. Older men are more likely to experience symptoms of incontinence than younger men.

Men can experience following types of incontinence:

  • Overflow incontinence is dribbling of urine regularly. This is due to bladder not being able to empty itself completely when urinating.
  • Stress incontinence is when a cough, sneeze, lifting a heavy object or other activity causes the man to leak urine.
  • Overactive bladder is the sudden, often the strong urge to urinate. In this case, often men will leak before reaching the traditional toileting facilities.
  • Functional incontinence is when physical disabilities, obstacles or difficulty communicating your need to urinate prevents you from reaching traditional toileting facilities.
  • Transient incontinence is temporary incontinence often the result of short-term condition such as urinary tract infection, side effect of medication or other medical issue.
  • Mixed incontinence is when two or more above mentioned incontinence symptoms are experienced by an individual.

Causes of Incontinence in Men

  • Chronic cough
  • Constipation
  • Obesity
  • Bladder or urinary tract infections
  • An obstruction in the urinary tract
  • Weak pelvic floor or bladder muscles
  • Nerve damage
  • Enlarged Prostate
  • Neurological disorders, which can interfere with bladder control signals
  • Lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking and not being physically active.

How can men manage incontinence?

  • By doing pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles around your bladder, bottom or penis. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can help urinary incontinence, treat pelvic organ prolapse and make sex better too. For more information visit NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/womens-health/what-are-pelvic-floor-exercises/
  • Maintain a healthy weight, excess fat especially around the stomach area puts extra pressure on the pelvic muscles and bladder.
  • Reduce caffeine, tea, fizzy drinks and limit the consumption of alcohol
  • Stop smoking if you do smoke as smoking irritates the bladder and worsen incontinence symptoms.
  • Watch your diet by introducing high fiber diet and keep yourself sufficiently hydrated
  • Do discuss any symptoms of incontinence with your Healthcare professional to find the best course of treatment for you.
  • By wearing incontinence pads and pants

 

Resources:

1 . NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/womens-health/what-are-pelvic-floor-exercises/

2. Healthline - https://www.healthline.com/health/overactive-bladder/male-incontinence#prevention