Causes of Male Urinary Incontinence

What is Male urinary incontinence?

Male urinary incontinence is an inability for men to be able to control and hold urine until it is voluntarily released. Urinary incontinence usually effects people in the later stages of life, and can be caused by a number of different medical and non-medical issues. This condition, thankfully in some cases, can be treated and resolved to help the sufferer to live a normal and fulfilling life.

Urinary incontinence in men can be caused from one of many factors and is usually split into three different categories which include stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and overflow incontinence. Stress incontinence is usually related with high levels of stress, and the involuntary urine loss associated with lifting heavy objects, movement that places stress on the bladder, sneezing and coughing. This form of leakage is usually small in amounts, and may be helped by simply changing old habits and the current lifestyle.

Urge incontinence is the uncontrollable urge to urinate that can’t be stop or haltered in anyway. This type of male urinary incontinence tends to release urine involuntary after the urge becomes too strong to handle. This can cause problems for individuals who may be a distance from a toilet or restroom.

Overflow incontinence is a complication where urine constantly dribbles, and is associated with urinating small amounts frequently. This type of urinary condition can cause high stress levels for the sufferer, and can cause or limit the person from enjoying day to day activities.

Conditions that may cause involuntary male urinary incontinence can be chronic or mild depending on when it is treated and the complications associated with it. Nerve damage can cause urine leakage in men when the nerves to the bladder and sphincter muscles become damaged as a result of diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, a spinal cord injury, or an overactive bladder. When nerves are damaged it can cause chronic or long term complications that may require medical assistance to help cope with the incontinence.

Prostate problems may also cause urinary complications. When a male enters the later stages of life, the prostate gland starts to enlarge. When the prostate enlarges it can place pressure on the urethra and cause changes in the normal urinary function. These changes may cause a weak stream, urinary hesitancy, frequent urination, an interrupted flow, dribbling, and leaking. Other prostate problems may occur when surgery on the prostate gland for the removal of cancer damages the muscles causing complications. This tends to leave a sufferer with long term symptoms that need to be managed on a day to day basis.

Milder incontinence may be caused by something simple such as the intake of cola, coffee, or too much water. Reducing the intake of beverages that stimulate the bladder function can help reduce some of the symptoms and effects of involuntary leakage and can help a sufferer live a better life.

If you have or suspect you have urinary incontinence you should seek medical advice from a health care professional to see if help or treatment can be provided to help cope with the condition more freely.