Stress Incontinence in Men
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MALE STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE
Before we get into the details on Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) a quick review of the male plumbing system is in order. As you may recall from biology class, the kidneys main job is to filter out waste from the blood. Once it does so, it mixes this waste with water and sends it to the bladder. The bladder holds the urine until it’s time to pee. While the bladder muscle squeezes, the sphincter (yes, you have more than one) relaxes, allowing the urine to be released. Any sort of physical stress on the system can cause urine to be released unintentionally. That’s SUI.
CAUSES
In men, the biggest cause of SUI results from a procedure to remove a benign or cancerous prostate that has enlarged, resulting in difficulties urinating. Most medical minds agree that this manifests in one of two ways. Either damage to the urinary sphincter leads to incontinence or the removal of physical support creates functional problems for the sphincter when the prostate gland is removed. This is known as post-prostatectomy incontinence.
When the strength of the sphincter muscle is compromised, urine may leak through the urethra. Under pressure to the bladder, such as with a golf swing or a sneeze, leakage may be slight. However, depending on the severity of damage, the impaired sphincter could allow a steady stream of urine, enough to soak your underwear.
Click here to download your free brochure on stress urinary incontinence in men, including information about its causes and treatment options.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
To pinpoint the culprit in your SUI, your physician can perform diagnostic tests to evaluate function and exact cause of the leakage. Along with a physical exam and medical history, other tools such as a urine flow test, blood tests, cystoscopy, and urodynamic testing may be used to develop a clearer picture. It may also be helpful to keep a diary to document your urinary habits. Once diagnosed, there are several treatment options available.
While loss of bladder control after prostate surgery may be a devastating complication which can have a significant, negative impact on quality of life, men should feel encouraged by the increasing number of treatment and management options available to them. With appropriate evaluation and treatment, problems with SUI are usually treatable so that dignity and quality of life can be restored. Regardless of the treatment option selected, men should continue pelvic muscle exercises to optimize the degree of continence attained as well as for sexual performance and vitality.
MANAGEMENT
With the increased attention on incontinence issues, incredible progress and innovation have been made in the arena of products for everyday use.
Click here to read more about male products for stress urinary incontinence.
BEHAVIORAL MODIFICATIONS
Fluid management. With supervision from your physician, reducing amount of dietary irritants (coffee, colas, etc.) as well as limiting fluid intake while maintaining 6-8 8oz. glasses of water a day may help to reduce symptoms.
NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT
SURGICAL TREATMENT
Male Sling. A mesh implant that compresses the urethra and moves it, allowing for better function.
Artificial Urinary Sphincter. An inflatable cuff that allows the man to control the flow of urine, releasing the cuff when time to urinate, then inflating to keep leakage from occurring.
PHARMACEUTICAL TREATMENT
Want to LEARN MORE? Check out OuR Webinar!
Hear from Dr. Herman Bagga, MD FACS about Male Stress Urinary Incontinence. In this webinar Dr. Bagga outlines signs and symptoms, causes and discusses the full range of treatment options.
Developed in partnership with NAFC & Boston Scientific.
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Why Bladder Health Matters More as We Age
Aging and the Bladder: What Changes?
As we grow older, the urinary system naturally undergoes changes that can affect bladder function.
Common age-related changes include:
Reduced bladder capacity
Increased bladder sensitivity
Changes in pelvic floor muscle strength
Hormonal changes, particularly after menopause
Enlarged prostate in men
Increased prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and neurological disorders
These changes can contribute to symptoms such as:
Urinary urgency
Frequent urination
Overactive bladder (OAB)
Urinary incontinence
Nocturia (waking at night to urinate)
While these symptoms become more common with age, they should never be viewed as something people simply have to live with.
The Hidden Connection Between Bladder Problems and Falls
One of the most overlooked consequences of bladder symptoms in older adults is an increased risk of falling.
Many falls occur during urgent trips to the bathroom, particularly at night. An individual may wake suddenly with a strong urge to urinate, rush through a dark room, become dizzy when standing, or trip over furniture, rugs, or other obstacles.
Research has shown that urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia are associated with a higher risk of falls and fractures in older adults.
For seniors, a fall can have life-changing consequences, including:
Broken bones
Head injuries
Hospitalization
Loss of independence
Reduced mobility
Increased risk of future falls
In many cases, addressing bladder symptoms can be an important part of a comprehensive fall-prevention strategy.
How Nocturia Impacts Healthy Aging
Waking multiple times each night to urinate is more than a sleep disturbance.
Nocturia can contribute to:
Daytime fatigue
Reduced concentration
Memory difficulties
Mood changes
Increased fall risk
Lower overall quality of life
Older adults who experience frequent nighttime bathroom trips often report feeling less energetic and less able to participate in activities they enjoy.
Protecting sleep is an important part of protecting overall health.
The Emotional Impact of Bladder Leaks
Many older adults quietly manage bladder leakage without discussing it with family members or healthcare providers.
Unfortunately, untreated bladder symptoms can lead to:
Social withdrawal
Anxiety
Depression
Reduced physical activity
Fear of leaving home
Loss of confidence
Some people stop exercising, traveling, attending social events, or spending time with friends because they worry about finding a bathroom or experiencing leakage in public.
The result can be a cycle of isolation that negatively affects both physical and mental health.
Healthy Aging Includes Bladder Health
The good news is that many bladder conditions can be improved or successfully managed.
Treatment options may include:
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help improve bladder control and reduce leakage.
Bladder Training
Scheduled voiding and urge-suppression techniques may help reduce urgency and frequency.
Lifestyle Modifications
Small changes can make a meaningful difference, including:
Managing constipation
Maintaining a healthy weight
Limiting bladder irritants when appropriate
Staying physically active
Monitoring fluid intake patterns
Medical Treatments
Depending on the cause of symptoms, treatment options may include:
Medications
Neuromodulation therapies
Vaginal estrogen for postmenopausal women
Prostate treatments for men
Surgical interventions in select cases
Fall Prevention Tips for Older Adults with Bladder Symptoms
If urgency or nighttime bathroom trips are a concern, consider these safety measures:
Keep pathways clear of clutter
Use nightlights between the bedroom and bathroom
Wear supportive, non-slip footwear
Install grab bars when appropriate
Rise slowly from bed to avoid dizziness
Discuss medications with your healthcare provider
Seek evaluation for persistent bladder symptoms
Addressing both bladder health and home safety can significantly reduce fall risk.
A Conversation Worth Having
Too often, people assume bladder leakage is simply the price of getting older. The reality is that while bladder problems become more common with age, they are not an inevitable part of aging.
National Senior Citizens Day reminds us that healthy aging means more than managing chronic diseases—it means preserving independence, confidence, mobility, and quality of life.
If bladder symptoms are interfering with sleep, daily activities, or peace of mind, don’t ignore them. Talk with a healthcare provider and explore your options. Effective treatments and management strategies are available.
Because aging well isn’t just about adding years to life—it’s about adding life to those years.
Not All Leaks Are the Same: Understanding the Difference Between LBL (Light Bladder Leakage) and HBL (Heavy Bladder Leaks)
Most incontinence products on the market were made for Light Bladder Leakage (LBL), such as the occasional drip or the small dribble triggered by a sneeze or laugh. For millions of people, that’s not the full story. Heavy Bladder Leaks (HBL) involve larger volumes and/or multiple full releases throughout the day or night. Store-brand products, even those labeled “maximum” or “overnight”, aren’t designed to handle that level of need.
If products keep failing, it can start to feel personal. But when a product was never built for your reality in the first place, that’s not a personal failure. It’s a product gap.
Understanding the difference between LBL and HBL is the first step toward finding trusted protection that actually works.
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In fact, bladder cancer is listed among the top 10 most diagnosed cancers worldwide.
We sat down with Aleece Fosnight, MSPAS, PA-C, CSC, CSE, IF, MSCP, HAES, to ask whether you can live without a bladder, how long you can live without one, why you might need a cystectomy, and more.