Treatment for male urinary incontinence

Men of all ages can be affected by male urinary incontinence for a variety of reasons, but effective treatments are available that can improve or resolve incontinence in men. Our Houston urologic physicians have the experience and training to accurately diagnose the cause of incontinence, so that we can deliver the most effective treatment to improve quality of life.

Incontinence in men is primarily urge incontinence, which means that you frequently feel a strong and sudden urge to urinate that just can’t wait, sometimes resulting in leakage. Only about 10% of cases in men are considered stress incontinence, or leaks that happen due to pressure, which is often related to neurological injury, trauma or prostate surgery complications. Male urinary incontinence is more likely to happen in men in their 70s or above, but is still relatively rare, affecting between 3% and 11% of men at some point in their lives.

What causes incontinence in men

The number one cause of male urinary incontinence is an enlarged prostate gland, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. An enlarged prostate places pressure on the urethra below the bladder, making it more difficult for urine to pass. This pressure can cause the bladder to become overactive, a condition in which the bladder muscles suddenly contract, creating an urgent need to use the bathroom.

Incontinence can also be caused by prostate cancer, in which tumors can place pressure on the bladder or urethra, or by prostatitis, in which the prostate gland becomes painfully inflamed. It can also be related to prior injury to the sphincter, prostate or bladder caused by trauma or surgery. Medical conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke or spinal cord injuries can also cause incontinence in men, as can an inability to get to the toilet in time due to other physical disabilities.

Don’t wait to get help for male urinary incontinence

Many men feel embarrassment or shame when they experience incontinence, often allowing it to restrict their activities or prevent them from getting the help they need. Because the majority of cases can be effectively treated, it’s important to seek out the expertise of our Houston urologic physicians.

Because the majority of cases of incontinence in men are caused by an enlarged prostate, urinary difficulties can often be fully resolved with therapies designed to shrink the prostate. For example, one of the most advanced, effective treatments available today is Aquablation therapy for BPH, a minimally invasive treatment that can dramatically reduce or eliminate urinary symptoms in men. A variety of urinary incontinence surgeries and other therapies can also be targeted at the source of the problem, helping to restore normal urinary function.

Regardless of the cause of male urinary incontinence, it’s worthwhile to get a diagnosis and take action to get the treatment you need. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our skilled Houston urologic physicians.