It’s a taboo subject – no one wants to talk about incontinence. Myths about incontinence can often obstruct people from getting the help they need to live an active lifestyle. Knowing the truth about incontinence can help relieve embarrassment of the condition.

3.4 million men in the U.S. suffer from urinary incontinence.49

What is urinary incontinence?

Bladder (or urinary) incontinence is the unintentional loss of urine. It can be a serious problem that men are reluctant to discuss with others. When the muscle (sphincter) that holds the bladder neck is closed is not strong enough to retain urine in the bladder, the result is urinary incontinence.46

Incontinence may occur when:46
  • The sphincter (muscle around your urethra) doesn’t function properly
  • The bladder muscles contract too strongly or at the wrong time
  • The bladder is not emptied regularly
In men, urinary incontinence often is related to a medical problem or a treatment involving:
Problems with the prostate:46
  • Enlargement of the prostate which can block the urethra (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH)
  • Prostate removal due to cancer which can cause problems with the nerves that control the bladder
Other causes of incontinence can include:46
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Surgery
  • Old Age
  • Obesity or lack of exercise

What are the types of incontinence?

Stress Incontinence: The accidental release of urine when pressure is applied to the bladder, such as when you cough, sneeze, or laugh.47

Urge Incontinence: involves the sudden and unstoppable loss of urine — the sudden urge to go.47