Well, nearly 25 million Americans suffer from urinary incontinence, also known as enuresis in adults. While there are around three-fourths of women have urinary incontinence, which effectively means there are nearly five million men with bladder problems.
Unique Wellness, an online incontinence products supply store, explores some of the essential things that you should know about male incontinence.
Very often, men with incontinence continue to suffer in silence and make uninformed decisions about dealing with the condition. Incontinence could turn out to be an emotionally, physically, and mentally tiring experience both for the patient and caregiver.
Here’s What You Should Know About Male Incontinence
Male incontinence is defined as the involuntary passing of urine and can be as mild as leakage or as severe as the inability to control the passage of urine. It is widespread in elderly men, though this condition is not exclusive to the older generation and may affect any man at any given age. The condition can be either acute or chronic depending on the cause, which may be current or past.
- Stress Incontinence: This happens when the bladder is compressed or when there is undue pressure on it because of walking, running, coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy tools and equipment. This is usually a result of compromised muscles in the pelvic region.
- Urge Incontinence: Also known as overactive bladder, this type involves a sudden and strong urge to urinate together, followed by the involuntary passage of urine. It is usually associated with neurological disorders, bladder stimulants, or infections.
- Overflow Incontinence: This is usually the case when one has a partially emptying bladder that indicates frequent or constant dripping of urine. It is generally caused by an enlarged prostate gland, blockages, or damaged nerves.
- Functional Incontinence: This type implies a situation when a person gets an urge to urinate but cannot get to the bathroom in time due to physical or mental limitations while their urinary tract is healthy.
Lifestyle Matters
Due to the aging process, muscles controlling the bladder tend to lose strength, and extra weight can put additional pressure on the bladder. Several other factors, such as Cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and diabetes, also dramatically increase a man’s risk of bladder problems.
It’s More Common Than You Think
Male incontinence is actually more prevalent than one may imagine. The reports show that about 13 percent of men aged 60 and above are likely to suffer from urinary incontinence partially or fully. While it is more common among older men, it can also affect young men. Some of the causes that contribute to the formation of the condition embody prostate surgery, certain types of medications, and some chronic diseases, including diabetes.
Prostate Treatment is Often the Cause of Problem
As part of aging, most men experience prostate enlargement as it blocks the urethra, which can cause overflow incontinence. In most cases, prostate treatment is also a significant cause of urinary incontinence. Prostate removal can damage or considerably weaken the pelvic floor muscles and nerves around the bladder. Short-term incontinence and stress incontinence after prostate surgery are common.
Parkinson’s Disease and Stroke
Incontinence problems, also known as Parkinson’s incontinence, can be triggered by nerve damage from diabetes, a stroke, and Parkinson’s disease (which primarily strikes men). Spinal cord injuries could put men at risk for incontinence. It is often noticed that men are frequently involved in accidents or injuries that cause spinal cord injury.
Drinking Less Water Will Help
There are certain misconceptions that some men hold, such as not taking any fluids for fear that it will worsen the cases of incontinence. However, this may result in dehydration, which tends to irritate the bladder, making situations worse. It is vital always to take water and other healthy beverages in order to maintain good health. So, the primary strategy is to make intelligent choices about drinking and minimizing the consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and other substances that may negatively affect the bladder.
Think About Fluid intake
Fluid intake counts when it comes to incontinence. But it does not mean that you stay thirsty. Drinking water and staying hydrated are healthy. However, you don’t have to drink XX glasses every day or drink caffeine and carbonated beverages, which often trigger incontinence.
Kegel for Women Only? Really
Who says the Kegel exercise, where you squeeze and hold the muscle, is only for women? Research shows that men who do Kegel or pelvic floor exercises for at least a month before prostate removal surgery have less incontinence after surgery.
Talk to Your Doctor
It is essential to overcome the stigma associated with incontinence and talk with your physician. In some cases, medications such as antidepressants can cause urinary incontinence. So, talk to your doctor about the drugs you are taking.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Men experiencing incontinence should seek help as early as possible to address the problem adequately. If left untreated, the condition may advance to a state where it is difficult to control. The fact that early diagnostic and therapeutic interventions can be effective in managing the course of the disease might be beneficial for the quality of life.
Every man should consult a doctor the moment he realizes that he has any of these symptoms; this includes excessive urination, sudden urge, or leakage during exercises. A physical examination by a doctor can help in the identification of the cause, and depending on the diagnosis, the correct treatment should be administered.
Breaking the Stigma
Another significant obstacle in the treatment of male incontinence is eradicating the shameful perception of it among society. People have perceived it as a female or elderly problem; hence, there are misunderstandings and shyness among male incontinent patients.
It is, however, essential for people to be educated so that the narrative can be changed.
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