Incontinence Advice

Prostate problems in men: what causes prostate incontinence?

Prostate health is pivotal in the performance of men’s health and wellbeing. However, it can be easily affected by certain lifestyle adjustments. Find out how and why in this article.
prostate problems featured image

Throughout their life, men can potentially face various prostate problems. Some of these prostate problems can be linked to incontinence, even if surgery is required to fix problems with the prostate. In this article, you will learn what can trigger prostate incontinence, and how this may tie into the overall concept of prostate problems in men. 


Key points:


  • Explore common prostate problems including BPH and prostate cancer.

  • Understand the symptoms and signs of prostate-related urinary issues.

  • Learn about the latest treatment options and management strategies.

  • Discover preventive measures to maintain optimal prostate health.

  • Gain insights on when to seek professional medical advice.
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Is there a link between prostate health and urine control?

Prostate problems in men can strongly impact bladder function, leading to what is commonly known as prostate incontinence. 


The prostate, a walnut-sized gland that grows larger with age, plays a key role in both reproductive and urinary health. It encircles the urethra, the tube through which urine exits the body. When the prostate is healthy, it supports normal urine flow. However, issues such as enlargement or inflammation can press against the urethra, disrupting the natural process of urination.


An enlarged prostate can obstruct the urethra, leading to difficulties such as chronic urinary retention and other urinary issues. This condition not only causes frequent urination but can also result in a weak urine stream and a feeling that the bladder isn’t completely empty. 


In severe cases, such as after prostate surgery or radiation therapy, the changes can be more drastic. Treatments might damage the nerves essential for bladder control or alter the bladder’s capacity, leading to various types of incontinence.
Prostate problems: Causes of bladder weakness in men

How prostate surgery can lead to incontinence

Men who undergo prostate surgery or radiation therapy often experience temporary incontinence. The two main forms that they might encounter are:


  • Stress incontinence: Following the removal of the prostate gland, this condition is more common, where reactions like coughing or lifting can cause urine leakage.

  • Urge incontinence: This can appear after radiation therapy, recognised by a sudden, intense urge to urinate, often resulting in involuntary leakage.


Fortunately, advancements in medical technology are improving the outcomes of men having problems with the prostate, with many seeing significant improvements within one to six months after treatment.
concerns about prostate problems

Symptoms to watch out for

It’s important for men to recognise changes that may signal prostate issues. These symptoms usually include:


  • Increased frequency of urination, particularly at night.

  • Difficulty initiating urination or a prolonged urinating time.

  • A sensation that the bladder isn’t fully emptied after urination.

  • Unexpected urges to urinate, which may lead to leakage.


Less common but notable symptoms include:


  • Pain during urination or ejaculation.

  • Presence of blood in urine or semen, which could indicate other health issues and should prompt a consultation with a healthcare provider.


What is normal urination?

Understanding what is considered ‘normal urination’ can provide early warning signs of potential health issues. 


Most adults urinate about six to eight times in 24 hours. Healthy bladder capacity is between 300 to 400ml, and under normal circumstances, you should be able to sleep six to eight hours without the need to urinate more than once, unless the unfortunate occurrence of nocturnal enuresis happens. As men age, nighttime visits to the toilet might become more frequent, which is typical but can also be indicative of prostate issues.

Common prostate problems in men

Since the prostate gland plays an important role in the urinary and reproductive functions in men, its easy for this schedule to become disrupted. Prostate health impacts significantly on overall well-being, particularly affecting urinary processes. Let’s explore the most common prostate issues faced by men:


  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Known commonly as an enlarged prostate, BPH affects the size of the prostate gland, causing it to grow larger with age. This enlargement can impinge on the urethra, complicating normal urination. Symptoms might include increased frequency of urination, a sudden urge to urinate, and a weak urinary stream. While BPH is more common as men age, it does not escalate to prostate cancer but does require management to lessen the symptoms.
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  • Prostate cancer: This is the most frequent cancer among men, excluding skin cancer. The risk of developing prostate cancer escalates with age, particularly in men over 65. Family history and ethnicity can further increase the risk, with African-American men facing higher rates of incidence and more aggressive forms of the disease. Early detection through screening can be life-saving, especially for those with a family history of the condition.
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  • Prostatitis: Unlike other prostate conditions that typically affect older men, prostatitis can occur in both young and middle-aged individuals. It involves inflammation of the prostate, which can be acute or chronic, and is often caused by bacterial infections. Symptoms include pain, difficulty urinating, and pelvic discomfort. Chronic cases may require ongoing management, while acute infections are usually treated with antibiotics.
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  • Nerve problems: Around the prostate are nerves that help control how you empty the bladder. Anything hurting these nerves, like surgery or nerve diseases, can interfere with your bladder control, potentially causing pain when urinating or ejaculating. This can lead to different types of leaks: urge leaks (sudden urge to urinate), stress leaks (when pressure on your bladder makes urine escape), or overflow leaks (when the bladder doesn't empty completely).
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  • Muscle weakness: Prostate issues and treatments can weaken the muscles that control when you urinate. The prostate and its nearby muscles help seal the bladder to stop urine from leaking. But if these muscles get weak because of prostate problems, it's hard to keep urine in, and leaks can happen. Other relevant muscles in the surrounding area such as the pelvic floor muscles can be strengthened by performing kegel exercises.

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    prostate problems medical examination

    Dealing with prostate incontinence

    Prostate problems in men can lead to what is known as prostate incontinence, where changes in the prostate gland's health directly affect bladder control. 


    As mentioned, this commonly appears in the form of stress incontinence, where any physical movements can cause urine leaks, or urge incontinence, where there is a sudden, intense need to urinate. 


    Understanding the normal functions of urination and being aware of the changes can help in early detection of prostate issues. Regular check-ups and discussing any urinary changes with a healthcare provider are vital towards finding appropriate solutions sooner. For those at higher risk, including men with a family history of prostate issues, starting screenings at an earlier age can be crucial.

    How HARTMANN Direct can help men with prostate problems

    Due to the significant correlation between prostate problems and incontinence (prostate incontinence), wearing suitable, comfortable and secure clothing is paramount to maintain dignity and reduce the risks of leaks in any situation. For men of all age groups and sizes, our male incontinence range are the perfect solutions needed to combat potential leaks during day and night. 


    You can also protect your loved ones by opting for incontinence bed sheets if there are unwarranted prostate problems at night, as well as incontinence pants for those that are physically active.

    Further reading

    Based on what has been discussed in this article, here is some further reading to expand your knowledge on prostate incontinence:

    FAQs

    How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

    Prostate cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of a digital rectal exam (DRE), a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and possibly a biopsy if abnormalities are detected.

    What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?

    Treatment options for prostate cancer include active surveillance (monitoring the cancer's progression), surgery (prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy in advanced cases.

    Can prostate problems affect sexual function?

    Yes, prostate problems like an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer treatments can impact sexual function by causing erectile dysfunction or changes in ejaculation.

    How can men maintain good prostate health?

    Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking, can contribute to good prostate health. Regular check-ups with a doctor are also important, especially for men over 50.

    Sources