Involuntary leakage of urine is known as urinary incontinence. It may occur at all ages and affect both the sexes. Nocturnal enuresis, better known as bedwetting, is more common in boys than girls are, since bladder control in girls is achieved earlier than boys. In grown-ups, incontinence affects both men and women, with women being more likely candidates owing to the effects of pregnancy and childbirth. Incontinence in men generally is the result of prostate gland problems. Most of us think that incontinence is normally associated with aging, but that is not true.
Causes of Incontinence in Men
As you know, bladder control in babies is nonexistent. However, as the child grows, it learns to control the bladder better. However, some children in the age group of 5 to 10 years do not develop enough control that they normally should. You could also associate incontinence in this age group to insufficient bladder capacity or underdevelopment of the concerned nerves.
Nerve Related Problems
Men with chronic diabetic condition could damage their nerve associated with bladder control. As an aftereffect, incontinence may occur when a person suffers brain and nervous system malfunction caused by Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. Injury to the spinal cord can affect or damage the nerve related to bladder control. The spinal cord can also be affected through neural birth defects such as spina bifida or myelomeningocele, which can lead to incontinence.
If anyone in your family is suffering from nerve problems, it may even lead to a condition known as overactive bladder, where bladder timing goes awry. The bladder contracts when a person is not prepared to urinate. The symptoms of an overactive bladder are:
Sudden and strong urge to visit the toilet
Increased frequency of urination - eight or more times during the day; two or more times at night
A sudden strong urge with urine leakage
Prostate Related Problems
The bladder is a small gland in men that generally enlarges with age. The enlarged prostate creates pressure on the urethra, denying full flow of urine. This does lead to frequent urination. Men above 40 years old may develop enlarged prostate. The general symptoms that you would notice are a weak, interrupted stream; frequent urination; leaking and dribbling; and urge incontinence.
Diagnosing Urine Incontinence in Men
When you confront the first signs of urine incontinence, it would help to discuss the issue with your doctor. Go prepared with your medical history, if any; as your doctor is likely to probe you further to arrive at a proper diagnosis. You may be asked to give details of your water intake, alcohol consumption, and medication, to determine the cause of incontinence.
You may be subjected to a physical check to determine the size of the prostate gland. The doctor may insert a gloved finger inside the rectum to feel for the enlarged gland. You may also have to undergo an Ultrasound test to determine the prostate size - an Urodynamic test to find the bladder’s ability to store urine, and test the sphincter control mechanism.
Depending on the findings of the reports and the doctor’s analysis, your treatment through medication may begin. In a worse case scenario, you may also be suggested surgery for removal of the prostate gland.
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Jeff Luckey is in research and development at http://www.biorelief.com - Information and products to help manage incontinence, and related issues.
