What causes incontinence in men? 

Urinary incontinence, or poor bladder control, affects 1 in 10 men. The severity ranges, from occasional leaks when coughing or sneezing to a sudden, urgent need to urinate. Contrary to common belief, urinary incontinence is not an inevitable consequence of ageing, it may be linked to other underlying health issues such as:  

• Heart failure

• Dementia

• Diabetes

• Arthritis

• Parkinson’s disease

• Stroke

How does incontinence affect men? 

Though it’s rarely discussed, urinary continence is common in men over 40 – and it can have a significant impact on quality of life. The psychological toll includes loss of self-esteem, feelings of embarrassment, sadness and annoyance.

As the Continence Foundation of Australia notes, “The stress placed on a person with incontinence, and those who are caring for them, cannot be underestimated.”

The emotions associated with living with incontinence may include: 

• Denial

• Anxiety

• Frustration and anger

• Grief

• Depression

Managing Prostate Symptoms or Treatment

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and it’s estimated that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85.

Prostate cancer in its early stages typically doesn't exhibit symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms of later-stage prostate cancer may include:

• Frequent urination

• Pain when urinating

• A weak urine stream

• Blood in the urine 

Incontinence is a common side effect of prostate cancer surgery. The good news is most men regain bladder control as time goes on and are fully recovered within 6-12 months and pelvic floor exercises play an important role in this recovery. 

Men and Pelvic Health  

It's important to recognise that pelvic health is not exclusive to women. Men also have pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are like a hammock, running from the pubic bone in the front to the coccyx (tailbone) in the back. They play a crucial role in supporting the bladder and bowel, and their strength is vital in preventing urinary and faecal issues, as well as maintaining sexual function and sensation.

Pelvic floor muscles can be weakened by health and lifestyle factors such as: 

• Constipation

• A long-term, persistent cough due to smoking, bronchitis or asthma

• Being overweight

• The ageing process

• Having had surgery for bladder or bowel problems

• Persistent heavy lifting

• High-impact exercise

Pelvic floor exercises help train the relevant muscles – as with any muscles, they become stronger with exercise.

Not sure how to do male pelvic floor exercises?

Watch this video

Strengthening the pelvic floor can help to ease: 

• Stress incontinence – leakage when you cough, sneeze or exercise

• Urge incontinence – experiencing a sudden or frequent need to urinate

• Faecal incontinence – passing faeces at the wrong time

A pelvic floor physiotherapist can demonstrate how to engage the pelvic floor muscles and offer guidance on suitable exercises.

Managing incontinence 

Experiencing a loss of control over bladder and bowels can sometimes feel like a loss of control in other life aspects. Finding the appropriate continence solutions can help individuals regain control and restore confidence. The MoliCareⓇ Premium Men range  includes specially designed pads and pants for men, offering extra protection, security, and support for effective leakage management and odour control. MoliCare continence products come in various styles, absorbencies, and sizes, ensuring an ideal fit for everyone.

With the right continence product, a sense of protection and control can be restored, supporting individuals to confidently navigate their day and enjoy what matters most. Control never felt so good!  

Disclaimer

This website does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website, is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

References

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