Oftentimes, male urinary incontinence can be either a short-term or long-term side effect of the treatment of cancer. It’s important for males to recognize that a diagnosis of prostate cancer or bladder cancer can mean that urinary incontinence may interrupt their lives for a certain amount of time. However, knowing as much as you can about your condition and the type of incontinence you may have will help you and your doctor find the best way to manage it.

Bladder Cancer Incontinence

Bladder cancer occurs more frequently in men than women; in fact, men are about 4 times more likely than women to be diagnosed. While the exact cause of bladder cancer is unknown, it occurs when abnormal cells grow and multiply, forming tumors in the bladder.

Some of the most common symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in the urine or frequent, painful urination. These are also both symptoms of a urinary tract infection, so if you are experiencing these symptoms but do not have a UTI, you should talk to a health professional about the possibility of bladder cancer.

The type of treatment you’ll receive will depend on the stage, type and grade of your bladder cancer. You may undergo surgery to remove the tumor or the bladder altogether, as well as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Bladder cancer incontinence can occur because the peripheral nerves that help control the way the bladder functions can be cut during surgery or damaged during radiation therapy.

Prostate Cancer Incontinence

Prostate cancer is common in men age 65 or older. It occurs when there is an abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland, which sit just below the bladder and wraps around the urethra. Age, genetics and family history can all affect your chances of getting prostate cancer, as well as eating a diet high in fat.

Male urinary incontinence is commonly associated with prostate cancer. An enlarged prostate can obstruct the urethra, causing issues with urination. Surgery to remove the prostate can then disrupt the way the bladder is able to hold urine or can damage the nerves that help control bladder function. When the urethra is exposed to radiation, it can become thinner and lose tissue layers, which can worsen over time and result in incontinence.

Stress incontinence is common for men to experience after treatment for prostate cancer because radiation therapy has been known to result in increased urinary frequency and urgency.

Managing Incontinence from Cancer

Men’s Liberty can help with both bladder cancer incontinence and prostate cancer incontinence. Our alternative to a typical external catheter can help you regain your independence as well as reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and skin infections. Plus, it is covered by Medicare, Medicaid (in most states), VA/TriCare and most private insurances!

Fill out the form to the right or read more about the Men’s Liberty difference today!