Why am I incontinent – 10 reasons you may be incontinent 

reasons for incontinence

Incontinence, or the involuntary leakage of urine, is a common problem affecting millions of men every day around the world and over 5 million men in the United States. Causes may vary, but here are 10 of the most frequent reasons for incontinence.

  • Prostate treatment

Incontinence often results when the prostate becomes enlarged or following treatment. In some cases when the prostate gland has been removed the sphincter muscle may become weakened. When the sphincter muscle is weakened it is less able to hold urine in causing stress incontinence. With this type of incontinence urine may leak out when you lift, cough, laugh or sneeze.

  • Kidney or bladder stones

It is always a good idea to consult your health care professional when you recognize symptoms of incontinence. It may be related to another health issue that should be addressed. Kidney or bladder stones is a health issue that can lead to urge incontinence. With this type of incontinence, the need to urinate is so sudden and strong it may be hard for guys to get to the bathroom in time.

  • Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infection or UTI is also linked to incontinence. Indwelling catheters, frequent, multiple sexual partners, difficulty emptying the bladder and kidney stones are some causes of UTI. Observe good hygiene habits, use condoms during sex, and stay hydrated. If you frequently suffer from UTIs caused by diapers, pads or condom catheters, you may want to consider learning more about Men’s Liberty. Men’s Liberty is a secure, external catheter with a skin friendly adhesive that attaches to the tip of the anatomy and collects urine in an external pouch. With more than 5 million units sold of Men’s Liberty most men enjoy up to 24 hours of protection with very low risk of UTI.

  • Diabetes

Diabetes is frequently implicated in the onset of incontinence. It’s one of the many reasons for incontinence. Managing your blood sugar levels can help ease the symptoms. Commit to a healthy, balanced diet and, if you are overweight, aim for a 10% weight loss.

  • Narrowing of the urethra

Incontinence occurs when the urethra narrows or becomes blocked. One cause of this is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH. BPH is just a fancy way of saying an enlarged prostate. BPH is common for most men as they age. The condition can bring on overflow incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder fully

  • Certain medications

Commonly prescribed and over the counter medications can interfere with the urinary system. If you suspect that medications are causing incontinence, talk with your doctor about appropriate substitutes.

  • Constipation

Diet has an impact on your overall health, especially if you are consuming foods with too little fiber. Regular elimination can improve the symptoms of incontinence. Aim for 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Add whole grains to your diet and skip simple carbs. Drink plenty of water. These habits can help you avoid constipation.

  • Stress

Get regular exercise to help manage stress and maybe even lose a few pounds. Obesity and stress can worsen incontinence. Quitting smoking if you do smoke can also help.

  • Nerve damage or brain injury

Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury can lead to incontinence. That’s because the signals between the brain and bladder may no longer communicate properly. Your doctor may be able to offer treatment options that can help.

  • Mobility issues

Reduced mobility can make it too difficult to get the bathroom. This can lead functional incontinence.

 

Incontinence is a common medical condition impacting millions of men. As you can see, there are many different reasons for incontinence. In many cases it is treatable, and symptoms improve with time. Still, incontinence can feel limiting and stressful. One Men’s Liberty can help keep you dry for up to 24 hours. Give us a call today to learn more.

 

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