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Why Are More Men Experiencing Urinary Incontinence?
Published: Jul 18, 2024
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the involuntary leakage of urine.
Aging leads to changes in the bladder and prostate.
The main types are urge and stress 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.
References
- Tennstedt SL, et al. Urology 2010; 75:27.
- Harris SS, et al. J Urol 2007; 177:680.
- 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. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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