Male incontinence: How do you fix it?
Urinary incontinence in men - the involuntary leakage of urine - can be distressing and have a major impact on everyday life. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments available, depending on the cause and severity of the problem.
This article explains what causes male incontinence and what options are available to help regain control.
What causes male incontinence?
There are different types of urinary incontinence in men, each with its own underlying cause:
- Stress incontinence: Leakage occurs when pressure is placed on the bladder — for example, when coughing, sneezing or lifting heavy objects. This often follows prostate surgery, particularly after removal of the prostate for cancer.
- Urge incontinence: A sudden, strong need to urinate followed by leakage. This is often caused by overactive bladder muscles or conditions such as bladder infections, neurological issues or an enlarged prostate.
- Overflow incontinence: Incomplete emptying of the bladder leads to frequent dribbling. This is usually related to blockages, such as from an enlarged prostate or narrowed urethra.
- Mixed incontinence: A combination of two or more types, often stress and urge incontinence.
How is male incontinence diagnosed?
To find the right treatment, it’s important to understand the cause. Diagnosis may include:
- A physical examination
- Review of medical history and any medications
- Urine tests to rule out infection
- Bladder diaries to monitor fluid intake and symptoms
- Urodynamic studies to assess bladder function
What are the treatment options?
Treatment will depend on the type and severity of incontinence, as well as personal preferences and overall health. Options include:
Lifestyle and conservative measures
- Bladder training: Learning to delay urination and increase the time between toilet trips
- Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises): Strengthening the muscles that control urination
- Fluid management: Adjusting how and when fluids are consumed
Medication
- Medications may be used to relax the bladder (for urge incontinence) or reduce urgency and frequency.
- Alpha-blockers or other medications may be prescribed if incontinence is due to prostate enlargement.
Surgical treatment
When other treatments don’t work, surgery can provide long-term relief:
- Male sling: A supportive sling is placed around the urethra to prevent leakage, especially useful for stress incontinence after prostate surgery.
- Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS): A device that mimics the function of a natural sphincter and allows the man to control when to urinate. This is considered the gold standard for severe stress incontinence.
- Prostate surgery: If an enlarged prostate is causing overflow incontinence, surgical procedures such as TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) may be recommended.
Other supportive options
- Continence products: Absorbent pads, external catheters or protective underwear can help manage symptoms in the short term or alongside treatment.
- Counselling and support: Psychological support may be beneficial for men dealing with the emotional effects of incontinence.
Can male incontinence be fixed completely?
In many cases, yes. With the right diagnosis and tailored treatment, male incontinence symptoms can be greatly improved or even resolved. Early consultation with a specialist, such as a urologist, is key to finding the best approach and preventing the problem from worsening over time.
No man should feel embarrassed to seek help - effective treatments are available and can make a significant difference to quality of life.