How many of you men have incontinence? How many of you would admit if you did? It’s a hard thing to come to terms with as a man. I know, because I’m one of the “lucky ones” who has been hit with this condition.
I had been noticing the need to use the bathroom more frequently for a while, but didn’t think much of it until I was on vacation with my wife a few years ago. We were in DC, walking around, being the typical tourists, when I suddenly felt the need to go. I wasn’t totally familiar with the area, and it was crowded, so it took me a while to find a bathroom. Unfortunately, it took me too long. I leaked – just a little bit, but enough to be able to tell. Luckily, I had a sweatshirt with me so I just wrapped it around my waist and told my wife we needed to head back to the hotel.
I was so embarrassed. She didn’t understand what had happened until we got back and saw that I needed to change my pants. And even then, it was hard for either of us to comprehend what had happened – I’m a grown man! I shouldn’t be wetting myself. We both brushed it off as a fluke and went on with the rest of our trip.
But a few weeks later at the gym, it happened again. And then again while doing some yard work at home. I started to feel like my body was betraying me. Why was this happening? I didn’t tell my wife that the problem had persisted until a few months later, when it was clear that I would need to get some help. She was so understanding and helpful. She did some research online to see what may be causing it and the treatment options available, helped me find a urologist to talk to, and even came with me to my appointment.
I’m happy to say that after talking to the doctor and getting treatment, I’m doing much better. Turns out I had an enlarged prostate so I’m on medication for that and it’s greatly reduced the need to run to the bathroom every five minutes, not to mention the leaks.
This has been a very humbling experience, but I’m glad that I opened up to my wife about it and that she was so understanding and helpful. I’m not sure I would have had the strength to get to a doctor about this had it not been for her pushing me along. Now, I’m leak free and am able to travel, workout and do pretty much what I want again without having to worry.
Samuel M., Cheyenne, WY
One Response
in the past after a finger exam a doctor said my prostrate was a little enlarged, but not to worry. I did not even think about bph as the peeing process just blew up and became the central problem of everything I do. then a good friend noticed my excessive urgent peeing and said i should explore the bph idea. im a little late to begin to understand the problem. money, it will get better on its own, embarrassing, near total lack of understanding, thinking i was relatively unique, or that it was part of diabetes and i should just live with it…
if it really is bph and can be managed pretty good. that would be a MAJOR RELIEF!!
looking forward to get it fixed