Male Incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence occurs when urine unintentionally escapes from the body due to sudden pressure on the bladder and urethra. This pressure can overcome sphincter muscles or cause a brief opening of the sphincter, leading to leakage.

 Mild stress urinary incontinence may result from forceful actions like sneezing, laughing, and coughing, while severe cases may involve leaks during standing, walking, or bending over. These urinary accidents can range from a few drops to a substantial amount that fully saturates clothing.

PRIMARY TYPES OF URINARY INCONTINENCE:

• Stress incontinence involves the release of a small to moderate amount of urine without control, triggered by actions like coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
• Urge (urgency) incontinence or overactive bladder is characterized by a sudden, uncontrollable urge to pass urine, with leaks varying from moderate to substantial.

Causes of Stress urinary incontinence (SUI)

• • Nerve injuries to the lower back

  • Pelvic or prostate surgery

  • Obesity

  • Smoking (leading to chronic coughing)

  • Chronic coughing

Treatment options for stress urinary incontinence

Lifestyle Changes & Products

• Losing weight, quitting smoking to reduce coughing, and maintaining good health can help manage symptoms.
• Performing pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels) on a daily basis strengthens the pelvic floor, providing better support for the bladder and other organs.
• Using absorbent products, such as pads or pull-up briefs, offer a convenient solution for both short-term and long-term incontinence management.

Medical Devices for Men

• Penile clamp/clip: This device can limit urine flow from the penis by applying gentle pressure to the urethra.

Drugs

• No drugs approved in the U.S. for SUI. OAB drugs may be recommended for those with mixed incontinence but do not treat SUI.

Surgical Treatment:

• Sling: Surgeons place a sling, which acts as a hammock, to lift or support the urethra and sphincter muscles. This is primarily for men with mild stress urinary incontinence.
• Artificial Sphincter: Surgeons implant an artificial sphincter with three components — a fluid-filled cuff around the urethra, a pressure-regulating balloon in the abdomen, and a pump in the scrotum — to effectively control stress incontinence.

After Treatment: The goal of any incontinence treatment is to enhance the quality of life. Surgical treatments, particularly when combined with lifestyle changes, often prove effective. Regular Kegel exercises help maintain pelvic muscle strength. If stress urinary incontinence persists, discussing alternative options with a urologist is recommended.