About Incontinence

The prevalence of urinary incontinence increases as men age and can be associated with many other medical conditions, including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, obesity, and diabetes. For men, urinary incontinence also commonly results from other medical treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Additionally, prostatic enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) or urethral stricture disease may cause men to suffer from urinary incontinence. Many men feel that incontinence is simply a side effect of aging. We disagree and can provide you with a solution to take your life back.

Urinary incontinence itself comes in a few different varieties. Stress incontinence is where leakage occurs with anything that increases intra-abdominal pressure, such as a cough, sneeze, or lifting a heavy object. Urge incontinence is where leakage occurs due to a sudden urge to urinate, which is usually the result of the bladder squeezing involuntarily. Mixed incontinence exhibits characteristics of both stress and urge. No matter what the variety, we know how intrusive urinary incontinence can be into your daily life.  See one of our experts today. We can help.

• Is male urinary incontinence common?

  Yes. Male urinary incontinence is far more common than you think. However, many men suffer in silence, believing that this is simply part of getting older. Some of the most common conditions associated with urinary incontinence include stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes. Additionally, men with a history of certain surgeries (such as radical prostatectomy) may also suffer from urinary incontinence. We want you to know that you are not alone, and we are here to help.

• Can my urinary incontinence be successfully treated?

  Yes. The majority of urinary incontinence can be treated effectively. The key to treatment is understanding all of the forces that are involved. With multiple different treatment modalities at our disposal, the urologists at Minnesota Urology, along with a multidisciplinary team, can help construct the treatment plan that will be most effective for you.

• What treatment options are available for urinary incontinence?

  The treatment of urinary incontinence depends on the factors that have led to the incontinence itself.  Many medications are available to treat urinary incontinence that is the result of bladder instability, while men who have previously undergone pelvic surgery (such as a radical prostatectomy) may see the most benefit from a surgical option. Behavioral therapy and physical therapy also can help some men achieve continence. At Minnesota Urology, we know that you and your condition are unique. Make an appointment today so that we can begin designing a custom treatment plan for you.

• What happens when I make an appointment for my urinary incontinence?

  A typical evaluation for male urinary incontinence starts with a comprehensive health history and physical examination. From this, we can determine if any further tests will be needed. These may include laboratory testing, completion of a voiding diary (asking you to record your fluid intake and output over a 24- or 48-hour period), ultrasound of your bladder, cystoscopy (a telescope test into the bladder), or urodynamic testing, which consist of specialized equipment to measure the pressure in the bladder during filling and emptying. All of this will be customized to your incontinence, and the experts at Minnesota Urology are here to guide you through each step of the process.