Urinary Incontinence—Male(Incontinence, Urinary; Incontinence, Stress; Incontinence, Urge; Incontinence, Overflow; Incontinence, Functional; Stress Incontinence; Urge Incontinence; Overflow Incontinence; Functional Incontinence; Overactive Bladder)
by
Brian Randall, MD DefinitionUrinary incontinence is a problem with the control of urine as it flows out of the body. It may cause rare, minor leaks or more severe wetting. There are different type of urinary incontinence including:
CausesThere are several different causes for incontinence. In some cases, the cause may be unclear. Causes can also vary by the type of incontinence:
Risk FactorsMen who are older than 65 are most affected. Factors that may increase your risk of incontinence include:
SymptomsIncontinence is any loss of bladder control. Examples include:
When Should I Call My Doctor?Urinary incontinence is a symptom of a change in your body. Call your doctor if you have any loss of urine control. Your doctor can help you find the cause. DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. The doctor will ask about your urine leakage and how often you empty your bladder. A physical exam will be done to look for some causes such as blockages or nerve problems. If the cause is not clear in first exam you may be asked to to keep a diary of your urinary habits. A specialist may also be needed. Urologists are doctors who focus on urinary issues. Tests to help find the cause of the incontinence may include:
TreatmentTreating the cause may help to stop or decrease incontinence. If the cause cannot be changed, there are steps to help deal with leakage. Options include: Home CareSome steps you can take at home include:
Other steps that may help at home include:
Weight LossLosing weight may help reduce leakage due to stress or urge incontinence. Talk to your doctor about a weight loss program that is right for you. MedicationMedications may help for urge incontinence. These types of medications can help to relax the bladder muscles. Your doctor may also recommend botulinum toxin injections. This can also help the bladder muscle relax. DevicesTools that may help include:
SurgeryYou may need surgery if a blockage is causing the problem. The most common problem is an enlarged prostate. Sometimes the incontinence is caused by a problem with the bladder sphincter. This sphincter is a tight group of muscle that allows urine to flow or stops urine from passing. Surgery may be needed to repair it. PreventionTo help prevent incontinence:
RESOURCES:National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https://www.niddk.nih.gov Urology Care Foundation http://www.urologyhealth.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Nurse Continence Advisors Association http://www.cnca.ca Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca References:Bladder control problems in men (urinary incontinence). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at:
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems-men. Updated November 2015. Accessed December 19, 2017. Occhino J, Siegel S. Sacral nerve modulation in overactive bladder.
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Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrienne Carmack, MD Last Updated: 1/31/2018 |
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