Male Urinary Incontinence: Causes and Treatments
Much of what is known about urinary incontinence applies to women, since an overwhelming eight percent of bladder problems are experienced by women. Furthermore, many of the effective treatments are devices and therapies aimed at strengthening pelvic floor muscles and involve vaginal exercises or measures that clearly do not apply to men.
The Prostate
The most common culprit in a man's development of a urinary problem is the prostate. Prostate enlargement is known to cause urinary problems. Prostate surgery can also leave a patient with incontinence. Prostate problems, though, are not the only culprit. A loss of continence can be associated with:
- a family history of male incontinence
- birth defects
- bladder cancer
- chronic conditions, such as diabetescolorectal surgery
- kidney stones
- neurological disease
- Parkinson's disease
- spinal cord injury or surgery
- stroke
- urethral stricture (narrowing).
Additionally, a loss of urinary continence can result from radiation therapy for various cancers in the pelvic area such as rectal or prostate cancer.
Whatever the cause, we know that this condition is NOT a natural part of the aging process.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The incontinence that follows prostate surgery is common, but it can be cured or, at worst, managed. Management involves adaptations that allow the patient to lead a normal, active lifestyle without embarrassment. This does require, however, that the patient take an active part in his own treatment.
The good news is that the condition often resolves in six months to a year. Generally, continence is fully restored. Much depends on the extent of the surgery. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Resources
Kimberley-Clark Corporation. (nd). About male incontinence. Retrieved November 4, 2002 at www.depend.com/incont_educ_center/male_incont.
Riverside Urology. (nd). Male urinary incontinence. Retrieved November 4, 2002 at www.2rui.com/html/MaleIncon.htm.
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