Male Urinary Incontinence: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

It may follow prostate surgery or involve bladder or neurological problems and is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Symptoms can improve; assessment is preferable to hiding them or relying only on pads.

Related reading: Bladder stones and incomplete emptying.

Leakage may accompany coughing or movement, follow a sudden urgent need, or occur as dribbling with a weak stream. A fluid, voiding and leakage diary helps identify the pattern.

Causes include sphincter or pelvic-floor weakness, overactive bladder, retention from obstruction or neurological disease. Medicines, constipation or difficulty reaching a toilet may contribute.

Prostate treatment, diabetes, neurological disease and obesity may increase risk. Recovery after surgery varies; persistent symptoms call for review of the plan rather than blame.

Clinicians review surgery, medicines and symptoms and perform examination and urine testing. Residual urine may be measured. Additional investigations or urodynamics are selected when useful rather than required for everyone.

Supervised pelvic-floor training, bladder training or selected medicines may help. Retention or obstruction must be addressed. A male sling or artificial sphincter may suit selected stress-incontinence cases after specialist assessment.

Skin irritation, disturbed sleep, isolation or anxiety may develop. Retention-related leakage may threaten urinary health, so reducing fluids or adding pads alone is insufficient.

Adjust fluids and caffeine without becoming dehydrated, manage constipation and remain appropriately active. Learn exercises from a qualified professional and discuss medicines that could affect urination.