Bladder Control Problems in Men
Kidney Health Care - David Mangusan Jr., PTRP
Sponsored Ads
Bladder control problems in men can develop as they grow older. However, accidental leakage of urine, frequent urination, or the urgent need to urinate don’t have to be parts of aging. There are treatments available to manage bladder problems.
Problems in bladder control have several types including urinary incontinence and overactive bladder.
Urinary incontinence occurs when there is accidental leakage of urine. Certain actions or activities, such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting can cause urine to leak. In addition, accidental leaking of urine may occur after a sudden, strong urge to urinate. Moreover, urine leaks as a constant dribbling. Men with this problem usually need to urinate often and commonly pass small amounts of urine each time.
Overactive bladder is a condition that occurs when the bladder squeezes urine out at the wrong time. Having two or more of the following symptoms may mean that you have overactive bladder:
Sometimes, surgery or radiation therapy to treat cancer of the prostate can cause temporary or permanent problems in bladder control.
Having nerve problems, especially those that send signals to the bladder may cause it to become uncontrollable. The damaged nerves may cause the bladder to squeeze out urine at the wrong time or may not send signals at all. Injuries to the spinal cord or conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and stroke can cause nerve problems.
Treatment and Management
Some cases of bladder problems may be managed through changes in some daily habits. For example, set a schedule for trips to the bathroom to avoid accidental leakage. You could limit fluids at certain times of the day. Certain lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol, drinking less caffeine containing drinks, and avoiding lifting heavy objects may also help.
Your doctor can prescribe medicines to help you empty your bladder more fully or tighten muscles that can lessen leakage. There are medications available to calm abnormal nerve signals to the bladder. If the cause of bladder problem is a blockage due to an enlarged prostate, your doctor may suggest surgery.
If you have symptoms like painful urination with blood in the urine, see your doctor. These could be signs of bladder cancer.
Related Articles:
Urinary Incontinence: Bladder Control Problems
Urinary Retention (Bladder Emptying Problem
For Women:
Types of Urinary Incontinence in Women
Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Women
Sources:
Bladder Control What Men Need to Know (November 2007). NIH Publication No. 08–6178. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). Accessed: November 23, 2009
Age Page: Urinary Incontinence (June 2008). National Institute on Aging. Accessed: November 23, 2009
Page Last Revised: November 22, 2010
[Top of Page]
Problems in bladder control have several types including urinary incontinence and overactive bladder.
Urinary incontinence occurs when there is accidental leakage of urine. Certain actions or activities, such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting can cause urine to leak. In addition, accidental leaking of urine may occur after a sudden, strong urge to urinate. Moreover, urine leaks as a constant dribbling. Men with this problem usually need to urinate often and commonly pass small amounts of urine each time.
Overactive bladder is a condition that occurs when the bladder squeezes urine out at the wrong time. Having two or more of the following symptoms may mean that you have overactive bladder:
urination eight or more times a day or two or more times at nightCauses of bladder control disorders may include prostate and nerve conditions. Prostate problems like enlarged prostate, which squeezes the passageway of urine, can cause weak urine stream; an urgent need to urinate followed by leakage; and frequent urination, especially at night.
the sudden, strong need to urinate immediately
urine leakage that follows a sudden, strong urge to urinate
Sometimes, surgery or radiation therapy to treat cancer of the prostate can cause temporary or permanent problems in bladder control.
Having nerve problems, especially those that send signals to the bladder may cause it to become uncontrollable. The damaged nerves may cause the bladder to squeeze out urine at the wrong time or may not send signals at all. Injuries to the spinal cord or conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and stroke can cause nerve problems.
Treatment and Management
Some cases of bladder problems may be managed through changes in some daily habits. For example, set a schedule for trips to the bathroom to avoid accidental leakage. You could limit fluids at certain times of the day. Certain lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol, drinking less caffeine containing drinks, and avoiding lifting heavy objects may also help.
Your doctor can prescribe medicines to help you empty your bladder more fully or tighten muscles that can lessen leakage. There are medications available to calm abnormal nerve signals to the bladder. If the cause of bladder problem is a blockage due to an enlarged prostate, your doctor may suggest surgery.
If you have symptoms like painful urination with blood in the urine, see your doctor. These could be signs of bladder cancer.
Related Articles:
Urinary Incontinence: Bladder Control Problems
Urinary Retention (Bladder Emptying Problem
For Women:
Types of Urinary Incontinence in Women
Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Women
Sources:
Bladder Control What Men Need to Know (November 2007). NIH Publication No. 08–6178. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). Accessed: November 23, 2009
Age Page: Urinary Incontinence (June 2008). National Institute on Aging. Accessed: November 23, 2009
Page Last Revised: November 22, 2010
[Top of Page]
Kidney and Urologic Disease Labels:
bladder,
bladder control problems in men,
bladder problems,
problems in bladder control
