The most common types of bladder problems for men
If you experience any of these symptoms, they can be signs of common bladder problems:
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Difficulty in starting to urinate
- Frequent urination at night
- An interrupted or weak urine stream
- Feeling that the bladder is not emptied after urinating
- Urinary dribbling
You may find the symptoms both uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing, but there is help. The best way to establish which type of bladder problem you are dealing with is to consult a doctor who can understand the cause, rule out other issues and begin to help you find the right treatment.
There are a number of different types and causes of weak bladder in males. Read about the main types of urinary below.
Urge urinary incontinence
Urge is the most common type of incontinence in men and refers to a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage. One of the main causes of in men is an enlarged , which causes bladder-emptying difficulties, and gives you the sensation of needing to pass urine when you don’t want to, including during the night. In some cases, such urges may be the result of bladder irritation from an infection, or bladder stones. It can also develop as a complication of a nerve- or brain-related illness such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis. But sometimes the cause is unknown.
Stress urinary incontinence
Stress refers to involuntary leakage that occurs when you exert pressure on your bladder by for example sneezing, laughing or lifting something heavy. The sphincter or and ligaments that support the bladder are too weak to hold urine in. This type of incontinence is not generally common in men but may develop in some men after surgery.
Post-micturition dribble
This condition involves small involuntary leakages immediately after passing urine, and is the result of urine remaining in the urethra. Many men over 60 experience (PMD), but it can also appear at a younger age. PMD may be due to weakness in the pelvic floor muscles that surround the urethra. If so, it can be treated by exercising the pelvic floor muscles, and by milking the urethra after voiding.
Post-micturition dribble
When urine remains in the urethra, a dribble can occur after urinating. “Milking” the urethra can be helpful. This is done by pressing gently on the urethra behind the scrotum, to push out the trapped urine.
How to get better
There are different ways to improve your bladder control. Diagnosing and treating an enlarged is one of the most important. Two more examples that may help reduce your urgency feelings are pelvic floor exercises and restricting your intake of alcohol and caffeine. The best way to start regaining control is to consult your doctor so that you can find the best solution for your specific situation.
You can also find more helpful tips and advice as well as useful exercises on our website.
Choosing the right product
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