Imagine going about your day, and out of nowhere, you feel that dreaded sensation—wetness, a leak, dribble… If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. If it doesn’t sound familiar, you should still know about this because chances are, it might affect someone you know. While urinary incontinence is often associated with women, men in fact experience it too, and it’s more common than you might think. That is why Gent’s Post, with the help of Depend®, wants to break down the stigma surrounding incontinence and the toll it can take on one’s life to have an honest conversation about what urinary incontinence is, why it happens and how it affects men overall.
What is urinary incontinence?
At its core, urinary incontinence is when you experience involuntary bladder leaks. This can happen for a variety of reasons and it ranges from occasional leaks during physical exertion to a complete inability to hold urine.
Types of bladder leaks
The first step here is to better understand the different types of bladder leaks that can occur:
- Stress leaks
Believe it or not, leaks can happen when physical movements or activities like coughing, sneezing, or heavy lifting put pressure on the bladder, leading to leakage. Stress leaks are generally associated more with women, especially after childbirth, but men can experience it too. - Urge
Known for the sudden, intense need to go to the bathroom followed by an uncontrollable leak, this type is often linked to an overactive bladder. - Overflow dribbles
Sometimes your bladder doesn’t empty completely. This can cause it to overflow and cause dribbles. This is particularly common in men and is often tied to conditions like an enlarged prostate. - Functional challenges
This type occurs when physical or mental challenges—like limited mobility or cognitive impairments—make it difficult to reach the bathroom in time.
Who does it affect?
Globally, urinary incontinence affects millions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prevalence ranges from 9.9% to 36.1%, depending on age and population. In Canada, 59% of women and 21% of men over 18 experience some form of incontinence.* What’s common about bladder leaks is that both men and women take time to accept this condition. Interestingly, men often wait longer than women to seek help, as they try to avoid negative self-image associated with using products that protect from bladder leaks. On the flip side, when men are ready to accept this condition, they become more likely to seek out professional advice and a solution.
More information on incontinence can be found here in an insightful guide by Depend®.
Why does it happen to men?
For men, urinary incontinence is often linked to specific conditions or life changes:
- Aging: As we age, the muscles in the bladder and pelvic floor naturally weaken, making incontinence more likely.
- Prostate problems: The prostate is closely tied to the urinary system. Conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, or treatments such as surgery can impact bladder control.
- Neurological disorders: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or strokes can disrupt the nerves that control the bladder.
- Lifestyle factors: Obesity, smoking, and high caffeine or alcohol intake can also play a role.
The impact on men
Urinary incontinence doesn’t just affect the body; it takes a toll on mental health and quality of life.
- Emotional strain: Many men feel embarrassed or frustrated about losing control, leading to anxiety or depression.
- Social isolation: Fear of leaks or accidents can keep men from attending social events or engaging in hobbies.
- Workplace challenges: This can make it harder to focus or feel confident at work, especially if bathroom access is limited.
It’s important to remember that your leaks, drips, dribbles and so on, do not define you. There are ways to manage it effectively and remember, you’re not alone. This does not need to be a limiting health factor – you can still live the full and confident life you want.
How to manage bladder leaks
If you’re dealing with bladder leaks, the first step is to talk to your doctor. While it might feel uncomfortable to bring up, remember that healthcare professionals hear these concerns all the time and are there to help, not judge. So make sure to get ahead of it. The sooner you talk to your doctor, the sooner your quality of life improves.
Here are some ways to manage and treat leaks:
- Lifestyle changes
Simple adjustments like losing weight, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and quitting smoking can make a big difference. - Pelvic floor exercises
Often called Kegel exercises, these strengthen the muscles that support your bladder. They’re discreet and easy to incorporate into your daily routine. - Bladder training
This involves scheduling bathroom visits and gradually increasing the time between trips to improve bladder control. - Medications
Depending on the type of incontinence, your doctor may prescribe medications to relax the bladder or reduce symptoms. - Medical devices and procedures
Options like urethral inserts or surgeries such as sling procedures can provide effective, long-term solutions for certain types of incontinence.
Depend® has been a leader in championing more conversations around managing urinary incontinence. Their lineup of offerings for all types of situations fits the everyday gent’s lifestyle. On top of incontinence underwear, Depend® also has inserts available in the form of guards and shields that offer men protection against leaks while wearing their usual underwear.
Why it’s important to address the drips
Leaving urinary incontinence untreated can lead to further complications, including skin issues, UTIs and worsened mental health. By addressing the issue early, you can improve your overall health and regain confidence in daily life to keep you feeling like you.
Breaking the stigma
One of the biggest barriers to seeking help for urinary incontinence is the stigma surrounding it. Many men feel ashamed and may think it’s just a normal part of aging. But here’s the truth: it’s common, and there’s no reason to suffer in silence.
Open conversations about incontinence can help normalize the topic and encourage more men to seek support. Whether it’s talking to a doctor, joining a support group, or simply sharing your experiences with a trusted friend, breaking the silence is a powerful step toward finally living life how you want to.
A message of hope
If you’re living with urinary incontinence or experiencing a few drips, dribbles and so forth, remember that you’re not alone, and you’re not powerless. Advances in medical science, coupled with simple lifestyle adjustments, mean there are more options than ever to take back control. Take the first step by reaching out to a healthcare professional. With the right approach, you can manage urinary incontinence and focus on living a full, active life.
* source (Angus Reid, Oct 2022)
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Feature photo: Andrea Piacquadio
