Stress Incontinence in Men

Stress Incontinence in Men

Topic Overview

Stress incontinence occurs when a man unintentionally releases a small amount of urine when he coughs, laughs, strains, lifts, or changes posture. It is most common after a man has had his prostate gland removed and there was damage to the nerves or to the external bladder outlet valve (sphincter). After a man's prostate gland is removed, the bladder neck no longer has adequate support from the prostate. The sphincter must then do all the work of maintaining continence, and the extra pressure of sneezing, coughing, or straining forces urine past the outlet.

Stress incontinence is often treated with behavioural therapies but may require surgery if the problem is severe and persistent.

Credits

Current as of:
October 18, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Brian D. O'Brien MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Avery L. Seifert MD - Urology