Although, predominantly a woman's issue, urinary incontinence affects close to half a million men in Canada. This number is increasing as the population ages.
The severity of incontinence in men ranges from partial to complete loss of bladder control. A man with light incontinence may leak a little when he laughs or coughs, while a man with severe incontinence may experience leakage that is ongoing.
Incontinence can be temporary or permanent, depending on its cause. The good news is that most cases can be successfully treated and, those that can't, can be managed without embarassment or undue inconvenience.
Types of Incontinence
Four primary types of incontinence can affect a man:
Stress incontinence - This is the most common type of incontinence. It is caused by any activity that puts pressure on the bladder, resulting in the leakage of urine. Coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects and exercise can cause stress incontinence.
Urge incontinence - Men with urge incontinence know they want to urinate but cannot hold it long enough to make it to the restroom. This type of incontinence is common among people who have Parkinson's disease, diabetes or dementia, or who have suffered a stroke.
Overflow incontinence - This occurs when the quantity of urine produced exceeds the capacity of the bladder to hold it. Leakage of urine then occurs.
Functional incontinence - People with this type of incontinence feel the need to urinate but, due to a physical problem, cannot get to the restroom in time.
Causes of Incontinence
Prostate problems and their treatment are the primary cause of urinary incontinence in men. An enlarged prostate gland can put pressure on the bladder, causing leakage. Removal of the prostate gland is also likely to cause a degree of incontinence, although this often rights itself after six months or so.
Infection of the urinary tract can also give rise to urinary incontinence. This is a temporary condition that can be addressed with antibiotics.
Damage to the head or spinal cord resulting from disease or trauma can cause loss of bladder control since the injury disrupts the messages passing from the brain to the bladder. The disruption may be temporary or permanent.
Various diseases can result in male urinary incontinence. These include neurological diseases and degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
The aging process can cause some people to become incontinent, although aging is not always associated with incontinence.
Some medications can cause urinary incontinence, particularly those with a sedating effect.
Incontinence Management
Treatment of urinary incontinence depends on the underlying cause of the condition. If you find you are experiencing urine leakage, you should set up an appointment with your family physician.
There are a number of medications and surgical procedures than can remedy the problem of incontinence and your doctor will be able to counsel you regarding these options. You may also choose to wear an incontinence pad such as Tena for Men. These pads have been specially designed for the male profile, providing protection where it is needed most.