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Urinary Incontinence: A Symptom of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Urinary incontinence is an uncontrollable leaking of the urine. For men, urinary incontinence is a common symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland that affects men as they age. Most men who suffer from BPH will likely experience some sort of urinary incontinence as the condition continues. While urinary incontinence can be intrusive and embarrassing for those who suffer from it, the symptom is also very treatable.
Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence
Usually, the first sign of urinary incontinence is leaking urine when doing normal things such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercising. You may also experience the following symptoms as your incontinence gets worse:
- Inability to hold in urine after a strong urge to urinate
- Leaking urine without warning
- Frequent urination
- Waking up many times at night to urinate
- Being unable to reach the toilet in time
- Leaking urine during sexual activity
Causes of Urinary Incontinence
The most common cause of urinary incontinence is a urinary tract infection (UTI). This infection in the urinary tract usually causes pain and increases the need to urinate more often. Other causes of urinary incontinence include:
- Enlarged prostate gland (BPH)
- Pregnancy
- Beverages (coffee, alcohol, etc.)
- Constipation
- Pelvic floor disorders
- Diabetes
Take the International Prostate Screening Score Assessment! Find out if you are a candidate for PAE.
How Does BPH Cause Intermittent Urination?
One of the main changes in bladder function caused by BPH is an overactive bladder. This is the biggest relation between BPH and urinary incontinence. Normally the brain lets you know you must use the bathroom, but for people who suffer from urinary incontinence, the bladder muscle contracts on its own with little to no warning. This results in the inability to hold in urine and can cause leaking.
Treatment for Urinary Incontinence
When treating urinary incontinence, it is important to know what type of incontinence may be the cause. If you suffer from stress, urge, or overflow incontinence and have been diagnosed with BPH, our affiliated physicians at American Prostate Centers can help. They will recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or prostate artery embolization (PAE) if you need further treatment for your condition.
Lifestyle Changes
Some types of urinary incontinence may not require any type of surgery and can be treated simply by making changes in your life. When dealing with incontinence, it is important to avoid certain drinks that can cause urinary issues such as caffeine, sugar, and alcohol. You can also work with our physicians to train your bladder to hold urine longer and use exercise to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
PAE: Minimally Invasive Prostate Treatment
PAE is a minimally invasive way to treat BPH and its symptoms. Your doctor will insert a small catheter into the arteries that supply blood to the prostate. Tiny particles are injected into the arteries to lessen blood flow, which causes the prostate to shrink, helping improve your symptoms.
What to Expect from Prostate Artery Embolization
Frequently Asked Questions About Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It can range from mild, occasional leaking to severe, frequent episodes.
The five most common types of incontinence are:
- Stress Incontinence: Leakage during activities like coughing or exercising due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.
- Urge Incontinence: Sudden, intense urges leading to involuntary urine loss, often caused by bladder muscle contractions.
- Overflow Incontinence: Incomplete bladder emptying causes constant or frequent dribbling of urine.
- Functional Incontinence: Difficulty reaching the bathroom due to physical or cognitive impairments unrelated to bladder issues.
- Mixed Incontinence: Combination of two or more types, such as stress and urge incontinence, requiring tailored management strategies.
The severity of incontinence is typically assessed based on the frequency and amount of urine loss, as well as its impact on an individual’s daily life. Here are general guidelines for categorizing the severity of urinary incontinence:
Mild Incontinence:
- Occasional leakage, often in response to specific triggers (e.g., coughing, sneezing, laughing)
- Minimal impact on daily activities.
Moderate Incontinence:
- More frequent episodes of leakage
- Interference with daily activities and a need for protective measures
Severe Incontinence:
- Frequent and substantial urine loss
- Significant disruption to daily life, social activities, and emotional well-being
- Continuous use of protective measures, such as adult diapers
Schedule an appointment at your nearest American Endovascular affiliated center.
Our Prostate Specialists
Our expert prostate specialists in New York are committed to treating BPH to improve your quality of life. We are proud to say that our specialists are among the country’s most respected interventional radiologists. When you see one of our affiliated specialists, you can be sure that they will make well-informed decisions and handle your symptoms with care.
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Schedule an appointment at your nearest American Prostate affiliated center.