What Causes Male Incontinence

According to a study, 11 to 34% of older men experience male incontinence, with 2 to 11% enduring daily leakage. Only a few people talk about this condition due to frustration and embarrassment.

We totally understand. But we are here to let you know that you don’t have to suffer in silence alone. There are many ways you can manage this male urinary incontinence and that’s what we’ll be discussing in this article.

What is Male Incontinence

Before we dive deep into the causes of male incontinence, let’s first get to know what incontinence in men is all about. To put it in simple terms, male incontinence is losing control of your bladder. This means you could leak bodily fluids even if you don’t want to.

Because of this, you might want to stay away from social activities, afraid of accidental leaks, where you and others might feel uncomfortable. But know that it’s not your fault and there are effective ways to manage it, and you’ll get to know them later in this article.

Causes of Male Urinary Incontinence

There are several reasons why male bladder leakage occurs. Some of the most common causes include:

Enlarged Prostate

As men get older, their prostate gland also grows bigger. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is when the enlarged prostate presses against the bladder or urethra, making it much harder to control the urine flow, causing you to leak in urgency.

Surgery

Men who undergo surgery typically experience incontinence afterwards, especially for prostate cancer. The surgery can affect your muscles and nerves that control the bladder, which can lead to a temporary, or sometimes longer-lasting, incontinence.

Weak Bladder Muscles

There are instances where the muscles that hold the urine in the bladder or stop its release become weak. This can cause your urine to leak when you cough or lift heavy objects, as the muscles are unable to hold the urine tightly enough.

Nerve Damage

Another cause for incontinence in men is nerve damage. This usually happens when you have a condition, such as diabetes, stroke, spinal injury, or other nerve problems that control the bladder. When your nerve signals don’t work well, your bladder may contract suddenly, causing leaks.

Infections

Urinary tract infections or bladder infections can irritate your bladder. This can cause sudden urges to urinate and temporary leakage. Once the infection is treated effectively, the symptoms usually improve.

Other Health Issues

These other health issues can pertain to chronic cough, constipation and obesity, which may lead to incontinence in men. These conditions increase the pressure on the weakened muscles or the bladder, causing sudden leaks.

Types of Male Incontinence

There are several types of enuresis in men and knowing which one you have helps you manage it more effectively.

• Stress Incontinence: This usually occurs when pressure is applied to the bladder, causing you to leak. This includes coughing, sneezing, laughing or lifting heavy objects.

• Urge Incontinence: This happens when you have a strong urge to urinate and are unable to reach the bathroom in time. This typically occurs when the muscle of your bladder contracts too much.

• Overflow Incontinence: In this case, your bladder doesn’t empty fully, so it gets full easily and leaks.

• Mixed Incontinence: This pertains to the combination of stress and urge incontinence.

How Does Male Incontinence Feel?

The symptoms can vary. You might notice:

• Dribbling urine after you finish peeing.

• Leaking when you cough, sneeze, or exercise.

• A sudden, strong urge to pee that’s hard to control.

• Needing to pee often, even during the night.

• Difficulty holding urine long enough to reach the bathroom.

If you experience any of these, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. There are treatments and products that can help you feel more comfortable and confident.

Male Urinary Incontinence Supplies

One of the best ways to manage leakage is by using the right male incontinence products. These products help absorb leaks and keep you dry, so you don’t have to worry about accidents. Depending on the extent of the leakage, different products may work better.

1. Light Incontinence - Male Incontinence Pads

If you experience light leaks when you cough or sneeze, the following incontinence products for men are ideal for you:

TENA for Men

This incontinence protective underwear for men is made for all-day comfort and dryness. It features a cup-shaped design that follows the contours of men’s bodies for a comfortable and secure fit without feeling bulky.

View Product

Tranquility Male Guard

The Male Guard is another option if you have a light to moderate incontinence. It has a soft, absorbent core that absorbs the fluid well during any activity. It also features active side elements, such as elastics that act as a barrier against leakage, and best of all, it is latex-free.

View Product

2. Moderate Incontinence Products

If your leaks are heavier and more frequent, you might need products that are more absorbent. Some of your best options for moderate incontinence are:

McKesson Absorbent Underwear Pull On

These incontinence underwear are made for moderate absorbancy and are good for both men's and women’s use. The product features a smooth, cloth-like, and breathable material, along with a dual-core function, ensuring comfort and eliminating the pungent urine scent.

View Product

McKesson Unisex Incontinence Brief

The McKesson Unisex Incontinence Brief features a soft hook and gentle outer leg for a comfortable fit and added protection. It has a dual core with odor control, ensuring there’s no unpleasant scent despite your moderate incontinence.

View Product

Tranquility SlimeLine

This incontinence underwear provides superior absorbency. It has a peach core with superabsorbent polymers, which provides odor reduction, urine pH neutralization and skin dryness prevention. Perfect for all-day activities!

View Products

These products let you stay active without any worries about leaks and odor.

3. Heavy and Overnight Protection

When it comes to heavy leakage, you will also need heavy and overnight protection that you will find in these specially made briefs and pull-ons:

Prevail Protective Underwear for Men Pull On

The Prevail Protective Underwear for Men Pul On is another go-to protective underwear for men. It features snug, soft waist panels and leg openings, so it feels like you’re wearing regular underwear with extra attributes, such as the absorbent core that offers odor control.

View Product

Tranquility ATN (All-Through-the-Nights)

This protective adult incontinence underwear offers a maximum capacity of 1 qt. of fluid. This helps you sleep “all-through-the-nights” without the uncomfortable pad-wet feeling. If you’re experiencing heavy leaks, this one is perfect for your needs.

View Product

Tena Stretch Super Pull On Brief

This pull-on protective brief features a multifunctional design with 100% confioAir breathable technology for protection that doesn’t hurt the skin. It also has stretchy side panels, giving you a secure fit for enhanced leakage control.

View Product

Living with Male Incontinence

Living with incontinence can be tough, but many men find ways to manage it well. Here are some tips:

• Consult with your doctor: They can help identify the cause and recommend suitable treatments or lifestyle changes.

• Use the right products: Find what works best for your level of leakage.

• Plan bathroom breaks: Try to go regularly to avoid sudden urges.

• Stay active: Regular exercise can help strengthen your muscles.

• Watch your diet: Avoid drinks that irritate the bladder, like caffeine or alcohol.

Remember, incontinence doesn’t have to stop you from doing the things you enjoy. With the right help and products, you can live comfortably and confidently.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice leaks, sudden urges, or any changes in your bathroom habits, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. They can conduct tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatments.

Sometimes, simple changes or exercises can make a big difference. In other cases, medical treatment may be necessary.

Take Control of Male Incontinence Today

Male incontinence is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Whether your leaks are light, moderate, or heavy, there are products designed just for men to help you stay dry and comfortable.

• For light leaks, try TENA for Men or Tranquility Male Guard.

• For moderate leaks, consider McKesson Absorbent Underwear, McKesson Unisex Incontinence Briefs, or Tranquility Slimeline.

• For heavy or overnight protection, look for specially made briefs and pull-ons that offer maximum absorbency.

Don’t let incontinence hold you back. Find the right product for your needs and regain your confidence today. If you’re unsure what’s best for you, talk to your healthcare provider—they can guide you to the right choice.