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Contents
  • What Causes Urinary Incontinence?
  • Types of Urinary Incontinence
  • Why Older Men Are More at Risk

Why Are More Men Experiencing Urinary Incontinence?

Why Are More Men Experiencing Urinary Incontinence?

The Big Picture

Urinary incontinence is a common condition where urine is leaked involuntarily. It affects men's quality of life and is more frequent as they age, yet many remain reluctant to seek help.
Contents
  • What Causes Urinary Incontinence?
  • Types of Urinary Incontinence
  • Why Older Men Are More at Risk

What Causes Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence in men can stem from several causes, including bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) or overactive bladder (OAB). Neurologic conditions like strokes can also lead to this issue. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI), another type, often results from prostate surgery or spinal cord injuries.

Types of Urinary Incontinence

The most common types of urinary incontinence in men are urge urinary incontinence (UUI) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). UUI involves a sudden need to urinate, while SUI happens during physical activities like coughing or lifting. Mixed incontinence combines these two types and occurs when both the bladder and urinary sphincter are affected.
Urinary incontinence in men is characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine, often due to bladder outlet obstruction, overactive bladder, or neurologic conditions.

Why Older Men Are More at Risk

As men age, the likelihood of experiencing urinary incontinence increases. This is partly due to age-related changes in the bladder and prostate. Studies show that the prevalence of incontinence spikes significantly after the age of 65, with those living in nursing homes at even higher risk.

FAQs

What is urinary incontinence?

It is the involuntary leakage of urine.

Why is it more common in older men?

Aging leads to changes in the bladder and prostate.

What are the main types of incontinence?

The main types are urge and stress incontinence.

How does prostate surgery affect incontinence?

It can damage the urethral sphincter, leading to stress incontinence.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the types and causes of urinary incontinence can help in seeking the right treatment.
Next steps: Talk with Doctronic about managing urinary incontinence today!
Additional References
  1. Tennstedt SL, et al. Urology 2010; 75:27.
  2. Harris SS, et al. J Urol 2007; 177:680.
  3. Irwin DE, et al. BJU Int 2006; 97:96.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.