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Benign Prostate Problems

Benign Prostate Problems | Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) | Impotence/Erectile Dysfunction | Urinary Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence

What is urinary incontinence (UI)?

Urinary incontinence (UI) is the loss of urine control, or the inability to hold your urine until you can reach a toilet. More than 13 million people in the United States experience incontinence -- male and female (women are twice as likely to develop a UI than men), young and old. Urinary incontinence may be a temporary condition, resulting from an underlying medical condition. It can range from the discomfort of slight losses of urine to severe, frequent wetting.

What causes UI?

Incontinence is not an inevitable result of aging. Sometimes it is the first and only symptom of a urinary tract infection. It is caused by specific changes in body function that often result from diseases or use of medications, and may be brought on by any illness such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer.

What are the types of urinary incontinence?

stress incontinence -- the leakage of urine during exercise, coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects, or other body movements that put pressure on the bladder. It is the most common type of incontinence and can almost always be cured.

urge incontinence -- the inability to hold urine long enough to reach a toilet. It is often found in people who have conditions such as diabetes, stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. It can also be a warning sign of early bladder cancer. For men, it may be a sign of enlarged prostrate. It can, however, occur in otherwise healthy older persons.

overflow incontinence -- the leakage of small amounts of urine from a bladder that is always full.

functional incontinence -- difficulty reaching a toilet in time because of physical conditions such as arthritis.

What are signs and symptoms of urinary incontinence?

leakage of urine that prevents activities

leakage of urine that causes embarrassment

leakage of urine that began or continued after surgery

inability to urinate or retention of urine

urinating more frequently than usual without a proven bladder infection

needing to rush to the bathroom and/or losing urine if you do not get to restroom in time

pain related to filling the bladder and/or pain related to urination without a proven bladder infection

frequent bladder infections

progressive weakness of the urinary stream with or without a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

abnormal urination or changes in urination related to a nervous system abnormality such as stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis

How is incontinence often treated?

For people with urinary incontinence, it is important to see a doctor for a complete medical examination.

Treatment begins with a detailed personal and family history of health and related problems, a physical examination that focuses on the urinary and nervous systems and reproductive organs, and urine samples. In many cases, patients will then be referred to a urologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary tract.

Under a doctor's care, incontinence can be treated and often cured. Incurable problems can be managed to reduce complications, anxiety, and stress. When treatment is not completely successful, management plans can help.

After this complete medical examination a treatment protocol will be established, and may include:

certain behavioral techniques (including pelvic muscle exercises, biofeedback, and bladder training)

medication

surgery (if the incontinence is related to structural problems such as an abnormally positioned bladder or blockage due to an enlarged prostate)

Managing urinary incontinence:

Specifically designed absorbent underclothing is available -- which is no more bulky than normal underwear and can be worn easily under everyday clothing. Also, incontinence may be managed by inserting a catheter into the urethra and collecting the urine into a container. For men, an alternative to the catheter is an external collecting device that is fitted over the penis and connected to a drainage bag. Consult your physician with your questions regarding the management of urinary incontinence.

This page was last updated on: March 4, 2008.

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