For men affected by it, urinary incontinence can be an embarrassing secret. They cannot muster the courage to discuss their problem with anyone, not even their doctor. But denying treatment could only aggravate the condition.
Anatomy of incontinence
Urine from the bladder flows out from the penis through a tube called the urethra. This flow is regulated by a group of muscles surrounding the urethra, known as the urethral sphincter. Usually this sphincter remains shut to prevent urine from flowing out unchecked. But during urination the sphincter relaxes, while at the same time the bladder contracts, to push urine through the urethra out from the body.
Incontinence occurs when something in this process goes wrong. The bladder may contract at the wrong time. The sphincter may not shut tight enough, so that urine flows out when it shouldn’t. Sometimes inability of the bladder to empty out completely, or obstruction of the urethra, can cause excess urine accumulation in the bladder, which then results in incontinence.
Incontinence may be of different types. Spurting of urine due to weak bladder or urethral muscles, triggered by actions such as sneezing or coughing, it is called “stress incontinence”. Urine leakage because of the sudden pressure of the bladder, which is too strong for the sphincter to cope with, is called “urge incontinence”. Continuous dribbling caused due to urine accumulation in the bladder, as a result of an obstruction to the urethra, is called “overflow incontinence”.
What causes incontinence?
Incontinence in men may have many reasons:
- A malfunctioning prostrate, or surgery to remove the prostrate, may lead to incontinence.
- Brain or spinal injuries that hinder the smooth relay of signals from the brain can lead to incontinence.
- Conditions, including urinary infections, and neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, can result in incontinence.
- The natural aging of the body can cause incontinence.
- Alcohol can hamper the functioning of urinary system to cause incontinence.
- Certain drugs, including sedatives, cause incontinence as a side-effect.
- Emotional stress can sometimes result in incontinence.
Treatment options
Incontinence is a medical condition that can be effectively addressed by your doctor. He will diagnose the specific cause of your condition and begin appropriate treatment. Typically this will consist of anticholinergics or other drugs that can help an overactive bladder and control incontinence. Botulinum toxin type A (or Botox) injected in the bladder is another treatment option for incontinence in some cases. Rarely, surgery (artificial sphincter) may also be suggested.
What can you do?
Here are some things you can do to improve your situation:
- Do kegel exercises. Consciously strengthen your urethral muscles by contracting them to cut the flow of urine mid-stream, and then relaxing them again. Gradually increase the time you can keep the muscles contracted. Your doctor will also probably suggest these exercises.
- Quit smoking. Apart from relieving incontinence, this can have other benefits.
- Stop or reduce your dependence on alcohol.
- Reduce your intake of caffeinated beverages, including tea, coffee and colas, which can increase the need to urinate.
- Maintain an ideal weight.
- Eat fiber to avoid constipation, which can sometimes aggravate incontinence.
- Get into the habit of visiting the bathroom at fixed times during the day; with time you’ll soon know how often you should go to prevent “accidents”.
Also read: How to sleep with a man who snores
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