TREATMENTS

Male Incontinence

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Living with male incontinence can be frustrating and embarrassing and can reduce your quality of life. Fortunately, there are a range of effective incontinence treatments that can help you manage your symptoms and take back control.

Make an informed decision about treatment for male incontinence

It can be hard to admit you have incontinence. This can make it difficult for you to discover beneficial treatment options. However, talking to a urologist can help you discover which treatment option may be best for you and your specific type of incontinence – whether that’s incontinence pads for men, surgery, or any other treatment.

Treatments options for male incontinence

Artificial urinary sphincter

This is a long-term solution recommended for people with more severe incontinence. It mimics the function of a healthy sphincter by placing a pump into your scrotum. When you need to urinate, you simply squeeze and release the pump to release urine from your bladder.

 

59 million people affected by Atrial Fibrillation

Potential benefits

  • Visually undetectable since it is placed inside the body
  • Mimics the function of a normal, healthy sphincter so you can urinate at will
  • More than 90% of surveyed men said they would have an artificial sphincter placed again and 94% would recommend the device to a friend or family member1,2

 

59 million people affected by Atrial Fibrillation

Potential risks and side effects

  • Scrotal haematoma characterised by the sudden onset of pain and swelling in the scrotum
  • The pump can move inside your body
  • Local irritation at the wound site and/or a foreign body response may occur
  • Tissue responses to the implant could include extrusion, erosion through the urethra or other surrounding tissue, migration from the desired location, fistula formation, and inflammation
  • Unintended damage to muscle, tissue, nerves, or vessels
  • Infection
  • Urinary retention
  • Pain/soreness
  • Device malfunction

 

A physician explains unrinary incontinance to her elderly patients

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Male sling system

The male sling system is an internal device that supports the urethra and helps restore bladder control. This support for the surrounding muscles moves the sphincter back to its natural position where it helps keep the urethra closed during times of stress, such as coughing or lifting. It is usually recommended for men with mild to moderate urine leakage.

 

59 million people affected by Atrial Fibrillation

Potential benefits

  • Visually undetectable since it is placed inside the body
  • Mimics the function of a normal, healthy sphincter so you can urinate at will
  • More than 90% of surveyed men said they would have an artificial sphincter placed again and 94% would recommend the device to a friend or family member1,2

 

59 million people affected by Atrial Fibrillation

Potential risks & side effects

Risks and side effects associated with male slings can include, but aren't limited to:

  • Stinging when you urinate 
  • Urinary retention 
  • Temporary perineal pain 
  • Failure of treatment 
  • Benefits of the treatment may decrease over time
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Erosion
  • Device migration

Be sure to talk to your doctor about risks and benefits of male slings.

 

A physician explains unrinary incontinance to her elderly patients

Find out more about male sling systems

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Pelvic floor exercises

Your pelvic floor is the muscles located between your tailbone and pubic bone that provide support for your bladder and bowel. Pelvic floor exercises focus on strengthening these muscles to give you better control over urinating and bowel movements. This can help with male incontinence.

 

59 million people affected by Atrial Fibrillation

Potential benefits

  • Improved bladder and bowel control 
  • Improved recovery after prostate surgery
  • Increased confidence and quality of life

 

59 million people affected by Atrial Fibrillation

Potential risks and side effects

Pelvic floor exercises may not improve your bladder control enough to improve your quality of life.

 

Penile clamps

Penile clamps, also known as male mechanical devices or penile compression clamps, can be effective at reducing urine leakage with minimal risk of complications. These small, reusable devices are either adjustable or available in different sizes and are a popular alternative for men who don’t want to wear a sheath or absorbent product.

 

59 million people affected by Atrial Fibrillation

Potential benefits

  • Prevent leakage by compressing the urethra
  • There is no need to take medications or have any procedures
  • Reusable

 

59 million people affected by Atrial Fibrillation

Potential risks and side effects

  • Probably unsuitable for people with urge incontinence or who have poor memory or mental function, poor dexterity, no bladder sensation, or skin that is prone to damage
  • Penile clamps should be used with caution as they can reduce penile blood flow and cause pressure injury to the skin
  • Penile clamps are usually more beneficial when used in conjunction with other incontinence treatments

 

Lifestyle changes

There are some lifestyle elements that contribute towards your male incontinence. Making lifestyle changes may help improve male incontinence. These include:

  • Losing excess weight
  • Cutting down on caffeine
  • Reducing your alcohol intake
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Avoiding foods that might irritate your bladder, such as spicy food and citrus fruits

 

59 million people affected by Atrial Fibrillation

Potential benefits

  • You can implement these yourself​
  • There is no need to take medications or have any procedures​
  • These are generally positive changes to your overall health​

 

59 million people affected by Atrial Fibrillation

Potential risks and side effects

Many lifestyle changes may take time to have a positive impact on male incontinence.

 

A physician explains unrinary incontinance to her elderly patients

Find a urology specialist near you

Fed up with feeling out of control when it comes to your bladder? Speak to an experienced and compassionate urologist today. Learn more about what causes male incontinence and the treatments that can reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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Frequently asked questions about male incontinence treatments

There are many different factors that can cause male incontinence including: advancing age, an enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer treatment. Identifying the cause of your incontinence will help identify appropriate treatment options.

Incontinence is a very common side effect of some types of prostate cancer treatment, but every patient responds differently. You can always speak to your urologist about your concerns.

While there are some positive lifestyle changes that could improve your incontinence symptoms – such as losing weight and cutting back on alcohol and caffeine – there is no guarantee that these will resolve your bladder issues. Your urologist will be able to propose treatment options that can help restore your bladder control and help improve your quality of life.

There are several promising long-term treatments for male incontinence, including the artificial sphincter and male sling system. Both require surgery and offer long-term results for stress urinary incontinence.

Sources:

1. Viers BR, Linder BJ, Rivera ME, et al. Long-term quality of life and functional outcomes among primary and secondary artificial urinary sphincter implantations in men with stress urinary incontinence. J Urol. 2016 Sept;163(3):838-43.  

2. Linder BJ, Rivera ME, Ziegelmann MJ, et al. Long-term outcomes following artificial urinary sphincter placement: an analysis of 1082 cases at Mayo clinic. Urology. 2015 Sep;86(3):602-7.

CAUTION: The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device or at www.IFU-BSCI.com. Products shown for INFORMATION purposes only and may not be approved or for sale in certain countries. This material not intended for use in France. This material is for informational Purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician.

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