Topic Overview

• Topic Overview
• Cause
• Symptoms
• What Happens
• What Increases Your Risk
• When To Call a Doctor
• Exams and Test
• Treatment Overview
• Prevention
• Home Treatment
• Medications
• Surgery
• Other Treatment

What is urinary incontinence in men?

Urinary incontinence is the uncontrollable release of urine. It is not a disease but rather a symptom of a problem with the urinary tract .

Incontinence affects 13 million Americans and occurs twice as often in women as in men. 1 Although incontinence occurs more often in older men than in young men, it is not considered a normal part of the aging process.

How is urinary incontinence in men classified?

Urinary incontinence may occur for only a short time (acute) or become a continuing condition (chronic).

• Acute incontinence is a short-term difficulty controlling urine. Often it is related to other medical problems and treatment, such as surgery for prostate cancer or for an enlarged prostate . Urinary tract infections, medication side effects, constipation, or bladder stones also may cause acute incontinence.
• Chronic incontinence is a long-term difficulty controlling urine. It may be caused by nerve problems or injury to the prostate or bladder muscles that control urination.