Urinary Incontinence
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It’s a condition that affects millions of people of all ages, including men with enlarged prostate, neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, or those who have undergone prostate cancer surgery.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
A common type of urinary incontinence is called stress incontinence, which can occur during coughing, sneezing, or physical exertion. It happens when the sphincter, the small circular muscle that controls the start and finish of urine flow, doesn’t function properly.
Another common type of urinary incontinence is called urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder. It occurs when the bladder muscle contracts prematurely, causing an increase in bladder pressure. This results in an urgent need to urinate and is usually associated with frequent urination both during the day and at night.
Urge incontinence is commonly triggered by everything from cold weather and running water to laughter. Some men even suffer from a combination of stress and urge incontinence.
Urinary incontinence can cause psychological as well as physical distress. Because of it, many men avoid normal activities and experience anxiety, depression, and a loss of self-esteem. Often, they are too embarrassed and fearful to mention their problem to a family member, much less a physician.
However, the overwhelming majority of men with urinary incontinence can either be cured of the condition or learn how to manage it. Seeking an expert evaluation of the problem can boost the chances of successful therapy that may include behavior changes, medications, pacemakers for the bladder, a male urethral sling, or an artificial urinary sphincter.
Urinary Incontinence Treatments in Winston-Salem and Wake Forest, NC
At Wake Forest Men’s Health, Dr. Ryan Terleck is the region’s expert on male urinary incontinence. He offers discrete treatment for urinary incontinence and can help you or a loved one with this condition. To arrange a consultation with Dr. Terlecki, call (336) 716-4131 or complete our request an appointment form.
