Surgical Treatment options
for Male Incontinence
Male Stress Urinary Incontinence occurs when there's unintentional leakage of urine due to pressure on the bladder. This pressure can be caused by everyday activities like laughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects, or even just standing up. It's not uncommon and can be quite distressing, but there are ways to manage it effectively.
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What Causes Male SUI?
Male SUI often occurs as a result of:
Prostate Surgery:
Procedures like prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland) for prostate cancer can lead to leakage.
Aging:
As men age, the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor that support the bladder weaken, making leakage more likely.
Obesity:
Excess weight can put additional pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor, leading to leakage.
Treatment Options for Male SUI
There are several treatment options available to help manage male stress urinary incontinence:
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Behavioral Techniques:
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Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels): Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help improve bladder control.
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Bladder Training: Learning to schedule bathroom visits and gradually increase the time between them can help control leaks.
Lifestyle Changes:
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Weight Loss: Losing weight can reduce pressure on the bladder.
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Dietary Changes: Avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol can help reduce leakage.
Medical Devices:
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Male Sling: A male sling is a hammock-like device that supports the urethra, preventing leaks when pressure is applied to the bladder. It's a minimally invasive, same day procedure with a quick recovery time.
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Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS): An AUS is a small device placed around the urethra to control urinary flow. It consists of a cuff that keeps the urethra closed until you're ready to urinate. This procedure is more invasive than a male sling but highly effective, especially for higher volume incontinence.
What to Expect from Treatment
Male Sling:
Procedure
The male sling procedure is typically done under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make a small incision in the perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus) and place the sling underneath the urethra.
Recovery
You can usually go home the same day as the surgery. Recovery time is relatively quick, with most men returning to normal activities within a few days to a week.
Artificial Urinary Sphincter:
Procedure
The AUS procedure involves placing the device components - a cuff, a pump, and a reservoir (pressure regulating balloon) - inside the body. The cuff is placed around the urethra, the pump is placed in the scrotum, and the reservoir is placed in the abdomen.
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Recovery
Recovery from AUS surgery takes a bit longer, typically a 4-6 weeks. At the end of that time, we'll need to activate the pump to urinate and teach you how to use it effectively.
Conclusion
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Don't let male stress urinary incontinence hold you back from living life to the fullest. Whether you choose behavioral techniques, lifestyle changes, or a medical device like a male sling or artificial urinary sphincter, there are options available to help you regain control. If you're considering treatment for male SUI or want to learn more about your options, schedule a consultation today. We're here to support you on your journey to better bladder control and improved quality of life.