Male Urinary Incontinence

What is Male Incontinence?

Incontinence is defined as any involuntary leakage of urine. Male urinary incontinence is usually caused by a damaged sphincter or an improperly functioning bladder. The sphincter is the circular muscle that controls urine flow out of the bladder. When damaged, this muscle cannot squeeze and close off the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The result is urine leakage.

What are the types of incontinence?

• Stress urinary incontinence (SUI): Leakage during actions — such as sneezing, coughing, laughing, and lifting — that put abdominal pressure on the bladder
• Urge incontinence (also known as overactive bladder [OAB]): An overwhelming need to urinate (gotta go, gotta go!) that may prevent reaching the toilet in time
• Mixed incontinence: Symptoms of both urge and stress incontinence

What causes male stress urinary incontinence (SUI)?

The most common cause of SUI in men is prostate cancer treatment. Surgery, radiation, or a combination of therapies can affect the external sphincter muscle and its functionality. Most men experience SUI after prostate cancer surgery. This is normal and for most patients usually resolves within the first 12 months of healing.

Other causes of male SUI:

• Surgical treatment for enlarged prostate (BPH): TURP — Transurethral resection of the prostate
• Conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spina bifida, or stroke
• Pelvic trauma or surgery

What lifestyle modifications can I make or medications can I take to help my SUI?

Limiting fluid intake, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and exercising pelvic floor muscles (called Kegel exercises) may provide SUI relief. Currently, no medications are approved in the United States for treatment of male SUI.

Besides lifestyle modifications, are there other ways to treat my SUI?

Yes. Most other methods fall into two categories: coping and long-term treatment options.

Coping options include:

• Absorbent products like pads or diapers
• Penile clamps
• Internal and external penile catheters

Long-term treatment options include:

• Slings
• Artificial urinary sphincters (AUS)

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AdVance™ XP Male Sling System

A minimally invasive solution for male SUI.

The sling acts as a ‘‘hammock,’’ repositioning and supporting the urethra to help restore normal bladder control.

AMS 800™ Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS)

The gold standard treatment for male SUI.

The AMS 800 Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS) is a three-part urinary control system contained completely in the body.

• The control pump is implanted in the scrotum
• The inflatable cuff is placed around the urethra
• The saline-filled balloon (PRB) is usually implanted in a natural open space next to the bladder

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LET’S DISCUSS YOUR OPTIONS

Take the next step and schedule an appointment with your doctor. To schedule an appointment with a urologist, call Archbold Urology at 229.584.5550. We'll help you learn more about SUI and discuss treatment options to begin your journey to improved health.

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