Male Urinary Incontinence
About urinary incontinence
An estimated 2 million of men experience incontinence, most commonly due to history of prostate surgeries. Leaking urine impacts a man’s independence and leads to significant frustrations both on the golf course or in the bedroom. Incontinence pads and adult diapers are expensive and messy. Fortunately, men no longer need to live like this. There are several treatment options depending on the reason of leakage these may include medications or short outpatient procedures.
Treatments for urinary incontinence
Surgery
For men with stress urinary incontinence or leakage that occurs with physical activity such as standing up from a chair, picking up something heavy, or during sexual activity. The best option is short surgical procedures including the male sling or placement of an artificial urinary sphincter
Male Sling
For men leaking a small amount, usually 1-2 pads per day or so, placement of a sling is a great option. This is done through a small incision below your scrotum. The surgery is a same-day outpatient procedure with a short recovery time. It usually requires no urethral catheter but a small percentage of men will require one for a short period of time due to swelling from the surgery.
Artificial Urinary Sphincter
For men leaking significant amounts, usually over 3-4 pads per day and those with history of pelvic radiation, placement of a device called an artificial urinary sphincter is the best option. This device is placed via a short outpatient surgical procedure. Men do not require a catheter after and the device is left deactivated after the surgery to allow for healing to take place. The device is activated around 6 weeks after the surgery.
Dr. Miller recommends visiting the following website to hear from patient’s who have undergone this procedure:
Additionally here is how the device works:
Non-surgical treatments
There are several non-surgical treatment options for male incontinence. Men with incontinence are almost certainly already using pads, which can present significant inconvenience and costs. These men may benefit from working with a physicial therapist specifically trained to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. There are also external devices such a Cunninghman or penile clamp which is placed on the penis to compress the urethra, these work well for some men however can lead to issues like skin irritation over time. Additionally some men will elect to use a condom catheter, however this requires a drainage bag and also can fall off at inconvenient times such as with physical activity
FAQ'S
What to expect after urethral sling surgery?
After a short outpatient procedure men will notice that their stream is slower and it may take longer to empty the bladder, this is normal and shows that the sling is working. There will be a small incision below your scrotum. Men must avoid lifting greater than 10 pounds for 6 weeks after the surgery to allow proper healing
What to expect after artificial urinary sphincter surgery?
After a short outpatient procedure men will go home with their device locked open and deactivated to allow for proper healing. Patients will continue to leak during this time. There will be two small incisions one below your scrotum and the other on your lower abdomen. The primary goal at home in the initial healing period is to pull the pump down to the base of the scrotum 5 times per day and hold it there for 10 seconds each time. This helps the pump to remain in the proper position. At the 6 week appointment the device is activated. Men must avoid lifting greater than 10 pounds for 6 weeks after the surgery to allow proper healing
Is this covered by my insurance?
Most insurances cover this procedure including Medicare. Our team will work with your insurance provider to confirm coverage.
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