Incontinence

• Urinary incontinence is the undesired leakage of urine. Although this problem has a higher prevalence in women, a significant number of men in the U.S. experience urinary incontinence. 
• Causes of male incontinence 
  • Stress incontinence – leakage of urine with increased abdominal pressure. This happens when the urinary sphincter has been damaged, most commonly after prostate surgery. 
  • Urge incontinence – leakage with a sudden urge to urinate that can’t be restrained. This can be caused by underlying bladder dysfunction, obstruction of the urethra causing bladder irritation, bladder infection, and/or neurologic conditions. 
  • Overflow incontinence – leakage that occurs when the bladder is alway near capacity and leaks small amounts to relive pressure.
• Diagnosis
  • Your Urologist will use a combination of the following to accurately diagnose urinary incontinence. 
    • Urinalysis – evaluate for blood or bacteria in the urine.
    • Uroflow – measure the flow of urine as you empty your bladder.
    • Bladder scan – non-invasive measurement of the amount of urine left in the bladder after you urinate.
    • Urodynamics – minimally-invasive, in-office test that measures bladder function during all stages of filling and emptying – this is the best test we have to evaluate the function of the bladder.
    • Cystoscopy – small, flexible camera is used to look in the urethra, prostate, and bladder. This will evaluate the internal anatomy of the prostate and it will help rule out other issues, such as tumors, stones, or strictures.
    • Prostate ultrasound – small ultrasound probe is inserted in the rectum and the size and dimensions of the prostate is noted.
• Treatment 
  • Depending on the type of incontinence, your Urologist may recommend any one of the following:
    • Diet and lifestyle modifications
    • Kegel exercises – pelvic exercises used to strengthen the urinary sphincter
    • Medications
    • Procedures/surgeries

Let us help with your incontinence at Magic Valley Urology.