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Advice on Living with Incontinence

Myths About Male Incontinence

Don’t believe everything you hear – or think - about male incontinence in men. The most common myths are debunked here.

Published by Jane Granger
Myths About Male Incontinence

 

It’s a normal part of ageing
Not true. Urinary incontinence is always caused by an underlying issue, so should never be ignored. If you’re experiencing leakage issues, don’t put up with it, make an appointment to see your doctor and find out why.

 

 

 

Drinking less water will fix it
In fact, drinking less water will usually make it worse. Dehydration causes urine to become more concentrated which in turn, can irritate a weak bladder and increase its activity even more.

 

 

It’ll go away on its own
Unless the underlying cause is addressed, it won’t. So, if it’s related to an infection or prostate issue for example, once that’s resolved, so too should the incontinence.

 

 

I’ll have to have surgery
Incontinence doesn’t automatically mean you’ll need surgery. Depending on the cause, you may need an operation, but more conservative remedies such as specific exercises, lifestyle changes, bladder retraining and medication may also be considered.

 

 

Prostate surgery will leave me incontinent for the rest of my life
If incontinence was a symptom of an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer, it will usually be temporary and resolve when the underlying issue is addressed. According to National Incontinence America, up to 10% of men may experience incontinence for up to six months after prostate surgery, but very few have issues beyond that.

 

 

It’s just me
Actually, it’s not. In fact, it’s estimated that 1 in 10 men will experience urinary incontinence at some stage in their life.

 

 

I’m not incontinent, I just dribble a bit
Dribbling after you’ve urinated is called After Dribble or Post-Micturition Dribble (PMD) and is a type of incontinence usually caused by a weakened pelvic floor muscle. That’s the muscle that supports your bladder and bowel, and it can be strengthened with specific exercises that should improve, and in many cases, resolve the issue.

 

 

It’s a sign that I’ve got bladder cancer
It is possible, but unlikely. In fact, only 3% of all cancers diagnosed are of the bladder. It is true that it’s more likely to occur in older men, but bladder cancer has also been connected to smoking and long-term catheter use.

 

 

It’s just not ‘manly’
There’s no doubt that incontinence can affect how you feel emotionally, but many men wrongly believe there’s a correlation between potency and incontinence. In fact, being potent is determined by the male hormone testosterone and is not connected in any way to continence.

 

 

I don’t want to wear a period pad!
And nor should you. TENA has a range of products anatomically designed for men. These include Shields that tuck into the front of your underwear like a cricket box, but are soft and breathable. TENA products are all designed to quickly absorb the thin, fast flow of urine and lock it away, keeping you dry, comfortable and odour free.

 

 

Sources:

Asaleo Care makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional, medical or other health professional advice.