Male Urge Incontinence Can Be Treated

Male urge incontinence is the sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate, followed by an involuntary escape of urine. Although incontinence is more common in women, incontinence in men is not uncommon. Incidence of male urge incontinence increases with age, but that is not to say that incontinence should be thought of as a normal consequence of ageing. Incontinence is never normal and new-onset male urge incontinence should prompt the sufferer to see their GP.

There are several health conditions that can predispose men to the development of male urge incontinence. Conditions that affect the nervous system, and thus the nerves that innervate the bladder, include diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis and others. The prostate, which frequently enlarges in size as men age, may also be the cause of male urge incontinence. As the prostate enlarges it applies pressure to the urethra, resulting in an urgent need to urinate and an inability to hold urine. Infection and urinary tract stones may also cause male urge incontinence. What these conditions have in common is that most are amenable to treatment, so consulting a doctor when incontinence begins is key to ending the problem.

Diagnosis of male urge incontinence begins with a visit to the doctor, who will ask many questions regarding when symptoms began, when incontinence occurs, how long the symptoms have persisted, and whether there are any related symptoms, such as blood in the urine or pain with urination. Any medications taken and diet history will be elicited. Past medical history is also important, such as a history of diabetes. A physical exam will be performed, including a digital rectal exam to check for prostate size and shape. Other tests may be performed, including a urinalysis to check for infection. An ultrasound or urodynamic testing may also be necessary. Keeping a voiding diary prior to the visit can assist your doctor in pinpointing the problem. A voiding diary usually contains information on fluids consumed, episodes of incontinence, and how often urination takes place.

Once a diagnosis of male urge incontinence is made and the cause is determined, attention can turn to treatment. Treatment may consist of self-help remedies, medication or both. Self-help remedies include cutting back on fluid intake, avoiding alcohol, carbonated beverages, and other foods and fluids known to irritate the bladder, and bladder training. Bladder training involves holding urine for progressively longer periods of time in order to strengthen the bladder and associated musculature. Kegel exercises may also be recommended. Performing Kegel exercises consists of identifying the muscles of the perineum that are involved in the ability to hold urine and strengthening these muscles using simple muscle exercises.

Medications to treat male urge incontinence work in several different ways. Some medications decrease the production of urine, while others relax the bladder or shrink the prostate. These medications can be very effective in treating male urge incontinence, but may have unpleasant side effects, such as constipation and dry mouth. Different medications may need to be tried before the right medication is found.

Surgery is generally the last resort in male urge incontinence. Surgery is usually not recommended until other treatments have failed, unless the incontinence is very severe and not likely to respond to self-help remedies or medications. Surgical procedures include the creation of an artificial sphincter, slings to support the urethra or urinary diversion, in which urine is diverted to an opening on the outside of the body. Surgery comes with risks, and men should be aware of the pros and cons of any procedure that is recommended to them.

Male urge incontinence is a common problem, especially in older men, but should never be considered normal. It is important for men who suffer from male urge incontinence to seek help for their condition due to the fact that treatment, whether physical therapy, medication or surgery, can be very effective.

• • Terms and conditions
• • Contact us