Evolution of male incontinence treatment
Evolution of male incontinence treatment
Male incontinence is described as the accidental leakage of urine in individuals suffering from prostate problems. The condition affects millions of men in the U.S. each year.
To understand male incontinence, one first has to understand how to the bladder works. Bladder muscles tighten and loosen during urination. Urine is forced from the bladder into the urethra, which in turn carries it out the body. Simultaneously, the muscles surrounding the urethra relax letting urine leave out. The nerve damage that can take place within the prostate may cause the bladder to relax and tighten without warning.
The good news is male incontinence can be treated or controlled successfully with a variety of methods. Treatment options include:
Behavioral Therapy
Medication
Catheters
Urethral Injections
Artificial Sphincter
Male Sling
Urinary Diversion
When it comes to incontinence therapy, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Plans to help the problem will depend on a number of factors such as lifestyle, personal preference and severity of issue. In most cases, doctors will try the simplest treatment available.
Kegel Exercises is one type of behavioral therapy that is used to strengthen the pelvic muscles. The exercises have shown promise in helping the bladder hold urine.
In some instances, alpha-blockers are used to treat prostate enlargement and help the urine flow get back to normal.
Catheters are probably the most popular means of treating male incontinence. The bladder is drained by a thin tube being placed in the penis. While the artificial sphincter is another way to tackle incontinence by keeping the urethra closed until ready for urination, it doesn't control bladder contractions.
On some occasions, the male sling can be used to help incontinence by wrapping the urethra with a strip material and linking it to the pelvic bone. The sling places pressure on the urethra and it only opens when the man has to urinate. Urinary diversion is only done in the most extreme cases such as when nerve damage has destroyed bladder function.
Recently, another option has become available to help improve the quality of life of men suffering from incontinence. The incontinence clamp is an external device that controls urine leakage by compressing the urethra. The device is effective, comfortable and can be worn daily, during any type of activity.
The ergonomic design along with the silicone cushions helps the patient stay comfortable while providing the correct blood circulation. The product can be used during many activities such as golfing, swimming, hiking and many others. These innovative clamps are also cost-effective and can save a lot of money in adult incontinence wear.
