Urinary Incontinence Treatments for Men

Urinary incontinence is the accidental leakage for urine from the bladder. Babies, boys, teenagers and adult males can all experience urinary incontinence. As a baby of course, control of the emptying of the bladder has yet to be learnt. In toddlers, young boys and to teenage years, young males can experience enuresis or bedwetting; the unconscious leaking of urine from the bladder. This can often be due to some security or anxiety issues.

Bladder problems in males can have a number of causes and this will also then have a corresponding effect on the choices available for urinary incontinence treatments.

Nerve Damage to Bladder Control

Often some other ailment such as diabetes, stroke, polio, Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis can cause nerve damage to the bladder. This makes the control of the bladder more difficult and results in urinary incontinence. Spinal injuries can also have a similar effect on the bladder.

If the prostate has been removed this can lead to erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence too.

Some urinary incontinence in men can be due to ageing. The muscles of the bladder become weak and less able to hold back urine particularly when the bladder is full.

Male Urinary Incontinence Treatment Options.

The options you have for urinary incontinence treatments varies according to the severity and cause of the incontinence. Some forms of incontinence may be temporary.

Behavioral Treatments for Incontinence

Some incontinence treatments for men will focus on a change of behavior. They will be advised to drink less fluids during certain times of the day, and thereby avoiding filling the bladder. This can also include planning trips to the toilet but being aware of where public toilets are located or arranging to include opportunities to the empty the bladder if travelling.

Rather than coping with the existing situation, some males are able to improve their control by strengthening the muscles associated with the bladder. Kegel exercises, a particular way of strengthening the associated muscles have been found to be effective for some men.

Medication for Urinary Incontinence Treatments

Medication offers another form of urinary incontinence treatment. The medication may slow down the production urine to the bladder. This can be particularly effective for men who have developed over-production of urine. Some men may be taking diuretics for high-blood pressure, and in soing so the urine content increases. Changing this medication can  ease the problem. Other medications block nerve signals to the bladder preventing a spasm occurring that previously resulted in incontinence issues.

Surgical Incontinence Treatments

A surgical procedure is the insertion of a balloon type device that is attached to a cuff positioned around the urethra to act as a sphincter. This device when inflated keeps urine in the bladder until it is time to release it. Release of urine is achieved by pressing on a pump that deflates the cuff which is the artificial sphincter.

A newer urinary incontinence treatment is called the Male Sling. It is procedure performed under general anaesthetic, where a mesh is passed through the urethra. It’s used to change the position of the rounded part of the urethra to prevent urine leaking and this treatment is suitable for moderate incontinence.

Urinary Incontinence Treatment Summary

There are a number of options for treating urinary incontinence in men. The choice of treatment will depend on the severity of the problem and the cause of the incontinence.  You can find out more from your medical practitioner and discuss the best options about urinary incontinence treatments for men.