URINARY INCONTINENCE IN MEN

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Welcome airclinicians, friends and health enthusiasts to this week's article on men's health. Today we are talking about Urinary Incontinence in men. Kindly read along and learn.

Urinary Incontinence is the loss of urine. Urine is leaked accidentally . Adult females most times are more likely to have Urinary Incontinence than men. That notwithstanding, men also suffer from Incontinence. As they grow older, they are very likely to develop it. Hence the need to talk about it in men's health Monday

TYPES OF URINARY INCONTINENCE

1. Stress Incontinence- This is an involuntary loss of urine during: ~ Coughing ~ Laughing ~Sneezing ~Exercising ~Lifting of heavy objects. All these put pressure on the bladder

2.Urge Incontinence- This happens when you have that urgency to go and urinate. The muscles of the bladder may begin to try to 'squeeze' out urine even when the bladder is not full. The man may find it hard to hold the urine, urinate while sleeping or run to the toilet intermittently. Another thing that may cause urge Incontinence is an infection.

3.Overflow Incontinence- This is associated with urinating frequently in small amounts. The man may have trouble starting the urine or feel that the bladder is not empty correctly even when he has finished urinating. Most times it is caused by the inability of the bladder to squeeze urine out.

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4.Functional Incontinence- This is related to health issues. The health challenge may make it difficult for the man to get around. A good example is a man on the wheelchair.

5.Mixed Incontinence- Here the man may have more than one type of Incontinence at a time.

6.Transient Incontinence- Sometimes side effects of some medications may cause Incontinence in some men.

CAUSES OF URINARY INCONTINENCE IN MEN

1.Nerve Problems- If a man has a disease that has damaged the nerves, this can be a contributory factor. Diseases such as diabetes, stroke or spinal cord injury can cause UI in men because they may develop bladder- emptying problems.

2.Prostrate Problems- Prostrate is a gland in men which surrounds the urethra below their bladder, where it adds fluid to the semen before ejaculation. It is as small as the size of walnut. As the prostate enlarges, it squeezes the urethra, thereby affecting the flow of urine. Problems associated with the prostate which can cause UI in men include radical prostatectomy and external beam radiation. These however are treatments for prostate cancer but can lead to UI and temporary/permanent bladder infections respectively.

3.Narrow Urethra-This can be caused by injury, infection etc.

DIAGNOSIS

If any man suspects a leakage or unintentional escape of urine from him, it is important to see a Doctor. Diagnosis will involve looking into a medical history of individual and a physical examination where the Prostrate will be checked or a check for any damaged gland will be made. An ultrasound may likely be used also to diagnose UI.

TREATMENT

Certain behavioral treatments can be used to manage Urinary Incontinence. Such behavioral treatments include:
~ Changing diet
~Fluid management
~Bladder training.

As a man, if you suspect or are suffering from UI, you do not need to drink too much water at certain times of the day. Still you do not need to be too hard on that else, you will become dehydrated. When you do and are not drinking enough fluid, your urine will become concentrated, that too will lead to bladder infection thereby worsening the urinary Incontinence for you.

More so, medication, surgery and exercises that strengthens the muscle that holds urine in the bladder are also recommended.

Pay a visit today to Airclinic or chat the Doctors online on any health issues. Airclinic leaves you better than you came. More so, earn aircoins from Airclinic while you enjoy great health.

Composed by @adoore-eu

References here and here

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