How do I Treat Male Incontinence?

Male incontinence is a condition involving involuntary or uncontrolled urination and can be treated by external applications, exercise or medicine. In some instances, male incontinence can be a side effect of taking medication and can be treated by changing prescriptions. Anyone concerned about the condition should first consult a doctor before taking any actions for treatment.

Many conditions can lead to male incontinence, including diseases, stress, internal injury and a reaction to medication. Male incontinence typically falls in three categories. It can result from stress on the bladder or urinary tract while sneezing, coughing or exercising. The bladder can become over-full, resulting in urinary leaking. Those suffering from diseases that impair mobility may feel the need to urinate but then not be able to get to toilet quickly enough.

A person suffering from male incontinence should have a doctor evaluate a variety of treatment alternatives, which can vary based on the patient's age and health, and with the diagnosed cause of the incontinence. The simplest treatment methods are external applications. These can include incontinence pads, which function much as adult diapers, but they also can include smaller, thinner underwear liners. Penile clamps also can be used to restrict and control urinary flow.

Also considered in the external application area of treatment is the kegel exercise, which involves repeatedly clenching and unclenching the sphincter, which can yield greater strength in muscles controlling urinary flow. A biofeedback meter can also be used to identify when the required urinary control muscles need exercising. Another external treatment involves electronically stimulating the urinary muscles to exercise them.

Medication is a treatment option as well. Some medicines target easing the contractions of the bladder while others are intended to make the bladder work better. The type of medication required will vary with the patient's age, health and needs. In some cases, surgery is recommended for male incontinence, and this can range from a simple injection in the bladder to the creation of an artificial valve that helps control flow from the organ.

Several types of drugs have been linked to male incontinence. For some men, blood pressure medication has a side effect of incontinence. Some sleep aids can have the same effect, as can antidepressants. In all cases, the steps to dealing with male incontinence begin with a doctor's examination, proceed to establishing the cause of the incontinence and then include using one of the available treatment methods most appropriate for the patient's physical condition.