Stress Incontinence in Men

Overview

Stress incontinence means that you leak a small amount of urine when you do something that puts stress, strain, or pressure on your bladder. It can happen when you cough, laugh, strain, lift something, or change position.

What causes stress incontinence in men?

Stress incontinence can happen from prostate surgery, spinal cord injury, or taking some medicines.

Prostate surgery can damage nerves or the muscle (sphincter) that surrounds the urethra. And spinal cord injuries and certain medicines can affect the sphincter. With a weakened sphincter, the extra pressure when you sneeze, cough, or strain can force urine past the sphincter.

How is it treated?

Stress incontinence can be treated with exercises at home. Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels) can help strengthen the muscles that control the flow of urine. Biofeedback can also help with this.

Medicines may be used. A type of antidepressant medicine may help with bladder control.

If the problem is caused by removing the prostate gland , surgery may help. Surgery will try to lift or compress the urethra. This makes you less likely to leak urine when you sneeze, cough, or laugh.