Incontinence in men: causes and treatment methods
Urinary incontinence is a disorder in which a person cannot control urination. Although the condition is more common in women, about 6.5% of men under 65 also suffer from urinary incontinence. In most cases, this is associated with prostate adenoma or after operations related to this disease. However, all cases of urinary incontinence can be divided into three main categories.
The first category is stress urinary incontinence, where urination occurs suddenly under the influence of laughing, coughing, sneezing or physical exertion. These disorders occur when the bladder neck becomes misaligned, preventing normal muscle contraction.
The second category is urinary incontinence due to a disturbance in the urge to urinate. The bladder begins to work “on its own” when muscle contraction and bladder emptying are not amenable to conscious regulation. Causes of such urinary incontinence include strokes, Alzheimer's disease, prolonged bladder stones, prostate enlargement and age.
The third category is complete urinary incontinence, which is characterized by the absence of the urge to urinate. The use of certain drugs and advanced neurological diseases cause death of the nerves that send the necessary signals. At the same time, complete urinary incontinence can also develop in the case of a long-term habit - constant suppression of urges over many years.
Treatment for incontinence in men varies depending on the cause. If urinary incontinence is due to BPH, treatment may include medications, exercise, or an incision at the bladder neck.
Exercise can help strengthen your bladder and the muscles that control urination. Special sets of exercises have been developed to strengthen the bladder, and you can also do Kegel exercises on your own.
Medications can help reduce the size of the prostate gland, strengthen the muscles of the urethra, and relieve smooth muscle tension.
Bladder neck incision is a surgical procedure that can help with urinary incontinence associated with prostate adenoma. This procedure involves the surgeon making a small incision in the neck of the bladder, allowing him to have better urinary control.
It is important to note that the choice of treatment method should be made by a doctor based on the individual characteristics of the patient and the causes of urinary incontinence. In some cases, combination treatment involving several methods may be required.
In addition, there are a number of recommendations that can help prevent urinary incontinence in men. For example, you should avoid drinking alcohol and coffee, which can irritate the bladder, and regularly exercise your urethral muscles. It is also important to monitor your health and undergo regular medical examinations, especially if a man has problems with the prostate gland.
In conclusion, urinary incontinence is a disorder that can significantly reduce a man's quality of life. However, there are many treatments and recommendations that can help deal with this problem. It is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner and choose the appropriate treatment method.