Bladder Control Problems in Men
INTRODUCTION
Only one third of people with bladder problems ask for help from a health professional.
70-80% of people can become dry or significantly improved, and the remainder given advice that will help them to manage their bladder problem better.
Over 160,000 adults wet themselves twice or more/month.
NORMAL BLADDER CONTROL
The production of urine is not at anytime under our control, but as adults we have acquired the ability to recognise when our bladder is full, and to be able to hold on to urine until we reach a toilet. We therefore have control over when and where we will ass urine. This control is possible because of messages passing between the brain and the bladder, and our ability to interpret these messages. When we have this control we are said to be continent.
INCONTINENCE
Incontinence is a symptom that one of the mechanisms which keeps us dry is not working correctly. How incontinence presents itself, varies according to what is causing it. For this reason it is important to seek professional help from your GP, physiotherapist or continence adviser, so that the cause can be found and appropriate treatment given.
FLOW PROBLEMS IN MEN
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Fig.1 - Flow Control Problems in Men |
Is your urine control 15 or less? |
ONE IN THREE men over 50 experience some difficulty passing water.
The way men pass water changes gradually, so at first it may not be recognised.
Typical Changes are:
Difficulty or delay in starting to pass water.
Stopping and starting in the middle of passing water - after finishing, a bit more urine trickles out.
A smaller and weaker urinary stream, so it takes longer to pass water than it used to.
A feeling of not quite having emptied the bladder having to get up often at night.
Having to go more often during the day
Some, or all of these difficulties in passing water can happen because the prostate gland gradually becomes enlarged after 40 years of age. The prostate sits under the bladder and around the outlet (or urethra) through which urine passes to the outside. This enlarging of the prostate is called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH.
The difficulties caused by BPH can be relieved by medication or, if necessary, be treated with operation. If you are worried because you have difficulty in passing water, consult your doctor. Your doctor will be able to advise you on treatment.
AFTER DRIBBLE
1. Introduction
This type of leakage can afflict men of all ages. It means the urethra is not being em tied completely by the muscles surrounding it. 'Milking' the last drops from the urethra may help the problem.
2. Technique
Wait a few seconds after passing urine for the bladder to empty completely. Place the finger tips of one hand behind the scrotum ( approx three finger breadths) and apply gentle upward pressure.
Keep the pressure on the midline and firmly move the fingers forward towards the base of the penis under the scrotum. This milks urine forward in the urethra where it can be emptied by shaking or squeezing in the usual way.
Repeat this technique twice to ensure complete emptying. This whole procedure should take no more than a few seconds of your time.
IMPORTANT!
If you notice any blood in your urine or experience pain on passing urine it is advisable see your GP as these symptoms can be an indication of a more serious problem.
PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE EXERCISES
In some types of bladder control problems, pelvic floor muscle exercises may be helpful. To find out whether these exercises would be helpful for your problem, seek advice from your GP, specialist or continence adviser (a nurse or physiotherapist with special expertise in continence management). For directions on how to do these exercises see information leaflet 'Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises'.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
Ask a health professional for help. You should consult with your GP first.
You may be referred on to a Continence Adviser, Urologist or Geriatrician.
