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Adult incontinence, or bladder leakage, affects over 25 million people in the U.S. It’s estimated that about five million of those people are men. Incontinence is often viewed as a women’s issue, leaving many men uninformed about the issue and facing physical, social and emotional challenges as they cope with an incontinence diagnosis. Homepro Medical understands that many men are dealing with this issue, whether it’s related to enlarged prostate, prostate surgery or another cause. We know it’s important that men faced with incontinence have therapies, services and products that are specifically geared toward them and their needs. With the right knowledge and resources, incontinence doesn’t have to be a big issue in your life. Read on to see our tips for dealing with adult male incontinence.

Extra weight can worsen the male incontinence problem

When the muscles that control bladder function start to lose strength, any extra weight can make the issue of incontinence even worse, putting pressure and stress on the bladder. A healthy weight can make it easier to handle incontinence.

There are surgical options for male incontinence

If you’re struggling with severe stress incontinence, you can have an artificial rubber sphincter implanted around the urethra. This device can be inflated and deflated to control your urine flow. A bulbourethral sling can also be implanted to act as a mesh support hammock for the urethra. For severe urge incontinence (overactive bladder), a doctor can treat you with sacral nerve stimulation, which is a pacemaker-like electrical stimulator placed under the skin to send signals to the nerve that controls bladder function. It may also be recommended to have prostate surgery if you have overflow incontinence due to an enlarged prostate.

Medications can help treat male incontinence

There are drugs you can use to shrink your prostate and target neurological disorders. For urge incontinence, anticholinergic or antispasmodic medications can calm muscles in your bladder. Some antidepressants can even be helpful for bladder issues.

Avoid these medications:

Diuretics, antihistamines and certain antidepressants can further cause leakage, so consider the medications you are already taking.

Watch your fluid intake

It’s important to stay hydrated with water throughout the day, but drinking excessively, especially alcohol, caffeine and carbonated beverages, can put more stress on your bladder.

Watch for skin irritation

Men seem to have worse skin irritation related to post-void leakage than women. Men can develop rashes and skin fungus if the area is not properly cleaned. Moisturizers and barrier creams can help keep skin from getting too dry or inflamed. When wearing pads, men should change every few hours to reduce risk of infection.

Kegels aren’t just for women

Men can also take advantage of Kegel exercises, or flexing their pelvic floor to strengthen their pelvic muscles. All you have to do is squeeze and hold the muscles you use to stop urination. This is especially beneficial to do before having prostate removal surgery, as it can help prevent incontinence after surgery. Start with a set of 10 slow and 10 fast contractions, two or three times a day. Slowly work up to 80 repetitions a day.

Male-specific incontinence products can help

Homepro Medical has a full line of incontinence products designed just for men. We offer adult absorbent briefs, boxers, under pads, gloves, ointments, and wet wipes.

There are resources for men out there

The National Association for Continence has resources for men, and ustoo.org can help men connect with others facing incontinence issues after prostate surgery.

When you’re dealing with incontinence, it can feel like no one knows what you’re going through or what you need. At Homepro Medical, we have experience working with patients with incontinence. We know what’s important to you and we’ll do whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable. Contact us with your questions about incontinence or for any of your medical needs.