Learn more about incontinence
What is urinary incontinence?
Over 2 million men suffer with incontinence. It is a serious problem that men are reluctant to discuss with others. When the muscle (sphincter) that holds the bladder neck closed is not strong enough to retain urine in the bladder, the result is urinary incontinence. Incontinence may occur when:
- The sphincter is too weak
- The bladder muscles contract strongly
- The bladder is not emptied regularly
In men, urinary incontinence often is related to a medical problem or a treatment involving:
- The prostate gland
- Enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH)
- Prostate removal due to cancer
What are the types of incontinence?
Stress Incontinence: Is the accidental release of urine when pressure is applied to the bladder, such as when you cough, sneeze, laugh or lift something heavy. This is the most common type of incontinence post-prostate cancer.
Urge Incontinence: Is when the bladder contracts at the wrong time giving you the feeling that you have to urinate immediately even if you may have just emptied your bladder.
Overflow Incontinence: Is characterized by leaking when the bladder does not empty properly. This can be due to other medical conditions such as an enlarged prostate or a narrowing of the urethra.
Total Incontinence: Is continual leakage of urine due to complete sphincter deficiency.
