When a person loses control of the bladder, urinary incontinence occurs. This problem is not only embarrassing but also has a significant impact on health. Understanding the possible causes of urinary incontinence is essential to solve this issue. What are the reasons for male urinary incontinence?
1. Weak pelvic floor muscles
Usually, even under pressure, the urethra does not leak urine. However, factors such as weakened pelvic muscles can lead to muscle weakness and an increased risk of urinary incontinence.
2. Age
As age advances, the muscles supporting the bladder weaken, leading to urine leakage. Exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can keep the muscles strong, allowing the bladder to function effectively.
3. Insufficient bladder capacity
Typically, when the bladder is full, its muscles do not relax unless one wants to urinate. However, some individuals have a very low bladder capacity, making it difficult to control the bladder muscles once it is full, resulting in urinary incontinence.
4. Nerve damage
In some cases, urinary incontinence is caused by nerve damage. Conditions like late-stage diabetes can reduce bladder sensitivity. Individuals with conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis of the central nervous system may experience urinary incontinence due to an inability to signal the bladder to empty, leading to urgency incontinence. Those with Parkinson’s disease may also have an overactive bladder, resulting in urinary incontinence.
5. Diet
Diet has an impact on health. Foods like oranges, caffeine, and carbonated beverages can irritate the bladder, potentially causing urinary incontinence. Male urinary incontinence has several possible causes, with the main reason being prostate issues such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Benign prostatic hyperplasia can block the urethra, leading to overflow incontinence in males.
6. Spinal cord injury
People with spinal cord injuries may experience symptoms of detrusor overactivity, with the bladder spasming frequently, leading to urine leakage. Those with lower spinal cord injuries may not receive signals to empty the bladder, making the bladder sensitive and prone to incontinence. Prostate surgery may also lead to incontinence. After prostate removal, muscle control may weaken, requiring time to regain strength. In such cases, males may experience temporary stress incontinence.
