TYPES OF URINARY INCONTINENCE
Every form of male urinary incontinence causes urinal leakage.
And, while most people believe the standard urinary incontinence definition applies simply to urine leakage, several kinds of incontinence exist.
You likely won’t know which type of incontinence you suffer from until you visit a doctor. And, even if you generally understand the meaning of urinary incontinence, generally, you’re probably still asking yourself, what are the various types of urinary incontinence? We can help.
Urgency Incontinence
Urgency incontinence is often known as an overreactive bladder. The main symptom of urgency incontinence is the feeling that you perpetually need to urinate. Your brain tells you that your bladder needs to empty, even though there may be little urine present.
Your bladder muscles will also be constantly squeezing to remove urine from the bladder, even though there is little need.
Other symptoms include:
- Inability to hold urine.
- Wetting the bed.
- Need to urinate after hearing or touching the water.
- Constantly running to the bathroom.
Men with prostate problems are more likely to be diagnosed with urgency incontinence. Some men also experience this form of incontinence after a stroke.
Stress Incontinence
If you feel like you need to go every time your bladder feels some type of pressure, this is known as stress urinary incontinence.
Stress urinary incontinence can cause leakage when you sneeze, cough, walk, laugh, lift heavy objects, or exercise.
Prostate surgery and bladder infections can lead to this form of incontinence.
Overflow Incontinence
Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder is unable to empty itself correctly. Your bladder overflows because it fills up with too much urine.
Common symptoms of overflow incontinence include:
- Need to urinate often.
- Trouble starting urine flow.
- Weak urine streams.
- Straining while urinating.
- Discomfort while urinating.
- Lower abdomen pressure.
It can feel like something is blocking urine from leaving the bladder. It can be caused by a narrow urethra, nerve damage, and an enlarged prostate. Bowel surgery, back surgery, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis are common causes of this incontinence type.
Functional Urinary Incontinence
Functional urinary incontinence is a type of incontinence caused by a disability. Men who suffer from this condition may suffer from arthritis, use a wheelchair, or have a condition that prevents them from making it to the bathroom in time.
Urinary incontinence treatment for the elderly often concentrates on functional incontinence because these men may need a little extra help in getting to the bathroom in time.
Other Types of Incontinence
Men may also find they have symptoms of more than one type of incontinence simultaneously. For example, urgency and stress incontinence often go hand-in-hand.
Transient incontinence is another form of incontinence and occurs as a common medication side effect. People who drink lots of coffee, or alcohol, or have a urinary tract infection (UTI) may experience this kind of temporary incontinence.
What Type of Incontinence Do I Have?
There’s no way to tell which kind of incontinence you have without visiting the doctor. Your doctor will be able to conduct a thorough examination, listen to your symptoms, and determine which kind of incontinence you’re suffering from.
Understanding which type of incontinence you have is the first step to seeking solutions from your primary healthcare provider. Learn more about the types of urinary incontinence below.
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CAUSES OF URINARY INCONTINENCE
It can be frustrating to suffer from incontinence without an apparent reason why. Decoding the reasons for your incontinence is a matter for your doctor. In the meantime, Men’s Liberty can support you in coping with the symptoms and at least keep you informed on potential causes.
So, what are the leading causes of urinary incontinence in men?
- Brain Signals – Normal urination function occurs when the brain realizes your bladder is full and needs to be emptied. In people with incontinence, the brain may signal that the bladder is full when it’s not or fail to signal in time.
- Urinary Blockage – A blockage in your urinary system could prevent urine from leaving the bladder. This is a common side effect of certain surgeries and urinary tract infections.
- Muscle Problems – Your bladder can squeeze out urine by releasing the muscles holding urine inside. Muscle issues can make it difficult to squeeze out urine and hold it in.
Depending on the reason, you may need surgical or medicinal urinary incontinence treatment.
Male urinary incontinence products exist to help you cope with the symptoms. You can learn more about the causes of urinary incontinence by clicking the button below:
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LIVING WITH URINARY INCONTINENCE
Incontinence does not have to define you. It is estimated that up to 80% of men who suffer from incontinence have some form of treatment available to them. Working with your doctor can uncover the treatment options that best support you in continuing to live your life.
Your doctor may prescribe various treatments and recommendations, including Men’s Liberty.
There are also steps you can take to enjoy a higher standard of living, including:
- Plan Ahead – Before you go out, think about where the day will take you. If a specific machine at the gym causes leakage, try a different one. If you are attending an event, know where the bathroom is and plan your route.
- Drink Less – Something as simple as consuming fewer liquids can cause you to urinate less. Try to get more water from food to reduce your urination frequency further.
- Avoid Triggers – Many men with incontinence find that some foods and drinks make them urinate more. Caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods are all common triggers for the need to go.
- Use a Catheter – An external catheter empowers you to enjoy your life without worrying about where the nearest bathroom is. Whether you choose to consult your doctor about catheter options or utilize Men’s Liberty external catheters, solutions are available.
Ultimately, the best way to approach living with incontinence is to reach out for support. It could mean talking to friends and family about your condition, consulting your doctor, or actively seeking out preventative treatments and solutions.
More than five million Men’s Liberty external catheters have been sold to men who have taken action. Be proactive and get incontinence support today.
Learn more about living with urinary incontinence by clicking the button below:
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