Treating Incontinence in Men

Based on your evaluation, you and your doctor can discuss ways to manage your incontinence.

Healing After Prostate Surgery

Incontinence can occur after surgery on the prostate gland. Most often, the incontinence clears up when healing is complete. Very rarely, prostate surgery may result in permanent incontinence.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe medication to help control your incontinence. Your doctor will describe how it works and any side effects it might have.

Medications may:

• help the sphincter work better to stay closed and not let urine leak out.

• help stop the bladder from contracting too often to push urine out.

• help the bladder muscles contract with more force, or help relax the sphincter muscle and allow urine to flow.

If a urinary tract infection is the cause of your incontinence, antibiotics can clear up the infection.

Behavioral Changes

Your doctor may recommend certain changes in your daily routine to help control your incontinence. These changes may include:

• avoiding substances such as caffeine and alcohol (which can increase urination).

• following a schedule for drinking fluids and urinating (timed voiding).

• changing certain medications that you take if necessary.

Your doctor may also recommend Kegel exercises. These exercises involve regularly tightening the muscles in your sphincter and around your bladder to help strengthen them. Your doctor can explain how these exercises are done.

Catheters

A catheter is a narrow tube that is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to help drain urine. A condom catheter covers the penis to channel urine into a collection bag. Intermittent catheterization is when a catheter is inserted, used to drain the bladder, and removed on a regular schedule. This is often done by incontinent persons themselves, a procedure called self-catheterization.

Surgery

Certain surgeries are available to treat some cases of incontinence. Surgery may be done to remove a blockage, strengthen the sphincter, or implant an artificial sphincter. If surgery is an option for you, your doctor can discuss the specific procedure with you and explain its risks and benefits.