Incontinence In Men – BPH Or Something More Serious?
Incontinence In Men BPH Or Something More Serious
?
Incontinence is normally thought of as a condition that affects women and in fact twice as many women suffer from this condition as men. Women also tend to experience episodes of incontinence earlier than men usually as a result of the trauma their bodies go through during childbirth. However incontinence in men is not all that unusual particularly once men reach the age of 60.
While there are a number of reasons that men can develop this condition, the prostate gland is the largest contributor to incontinence in males over 60. Once a man reaches that age there is a 50/50 chance that the prostate may expand. This gland sits below the bladder and next to the rectum so when it grows it applies pressure that can affect the man's ability to control the flow of urine.
The urethra actually passes through the prostate and is exposed to excessive pressure if it is pinched off by the expanding gland. This can result in weak stream, dribbling, nocturia, infection and a frequent need to urinate. While this form of incontinence can be described as inconvenient rather than a real life changer, the side effects can be severe.
When men develop a need to use the bathroom several times a night that may become sleep deprived. That means they don't have the same energy during the day and often feel the need for a nap. If that occurs while they are driving or performing some other potentially dangerous activity the results will not be good. Additionally, many injuries have occurred when men tripped in the darkness while rushing to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Treatment for this condition can be simple lifestyle changes or medication. You need to visit your doctor to determine just what therapy is best suited for your own particular situation. Also it's important to insure that the growth of the prostate is a result of BPH and not something more dangerous like cancer.
Incontinence in men will become an even bigger issue as the male population as a whole lives longer. Again check with your physician when these symptoms first appear and you should have no problem in managing the condition.