Men can experience loss of bladder control after illnesses, surgeries, or simply with advanced age. Although male incontinence may have many causes, men are much more likely than women to suffer from overflow incontinence. This is due to men having prostates that may become enlarged with age and block the outflow of urine from the bladder. Men's health specialist Jared J. Wallen is dedicated to improving the pelvic health and quality of life for men of all ages. Dr. Wallen has two offices convenienly located in Tampa and Brandon, Florida.
Whenever urinary leakage occurs, it is important to see Dr. Wallen so that he can correctly diagnose the type of incontinence. Our offices offer the latest treatment options available for men with Urinary issues including medications, behavioral, and surgery.
Male Urinary Incontinence Treatment Options
Proper urinary incontinence treatment can help you return to a more natural lifestyle.
- Regain dignity
- Resume intimacy
- Save money on protective garments
The type of incontinence that you are diagnosed with will determine your treatment options. Some options available are:
- Behavioral modification
- Medication
- Surgery
Non-Surgical Treatments
The type of incontinence that you experience will determine your non-surgical treatment options. No single incontinence treatment works for everyone. In some cases, treatment for one type of incontinence can actually worsen another. It’s a good idea to discuss all the options with your doctor.
Non-surgical treatment options include:
- Absorbent products (pads)
- Catheters;
- Internal
- External
- Incontinence or penile clamps
- Behavioural modification
- Kegel exercises
- Limiting liquids
- Timed urination
- Medication
- Changing existing medications
- New medication
If these options are not suitable for the type of incontinence you experience or your lifestyle, there are also minimally invasive surgical options to consider.
Surgical Treatments
Why choose a Surgical Treatment?
Choosing a surgical solution offers a possible permanent solution
Once an accurate diagnosis is made by your urologist, it may be determined that the best way to treat your incontinence is to have a bulbourethral sling implanted, such as the Virtue® Male Sling (Coloplast Corp.).
The Virtue® sling is made of a soft, flexible polypropylene mesh material, and is implanted to support and elevate the bulbous urethra. By applying a gentle compression, this helps to prevent urine leakage.
Typically, Virtue is inserted during an out-patient procedure. Individual recovery time may vary, but the average time is 4-6 weeks. During this time, heavy lifting should be avoided. Your physician will discuss your recovery plan in greater detail.
Virtue is a permanent solution. Once the sling is in place, you can enjoy the active lifestyle you had before, playing sports, dancing and just carrying in the groceries without fear of leaking.
Following the placement of a Virtue male sling, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your physician and on the document below to ensure the best outcomes. If you have any questions on the post procedure instructions, please contact your physician for clarification.
Important Safety Information
A male sling implant is concealed entirely within the body to address stress urinary incontinence (urine leakage) in men over the age of 18.
A sling implant is a surgical solution requiring a healing period that have risks associated with surgery such as pain, anaesthesia reactions, repeat surgery due to infection or reaction to implant material. Implant considerations may include your medical condition, lifestyle, personal preference and cost.
This treatment is prescribed by your physician. Although many patients may benefit from the use of this device, results may vary. Discuss treatment options with your physician to understand the risks and benefits of the various options to determine if sling implant is right for you.
The link between Incontinence and ED
Prostate Cancer does not create the problem; the treatments do. Many men who suffer from incontinence also have Erectile Dysfunction (ED), the consistent inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
Treatment options may affect continence and erections by impacting the nerves or blood flow. Such as:
Prostatectomy – radical, robotic, or nerve sparing:
During the procedure the nerve bundles or blood vessels may be damaged, affecting continence and/or erectile function.
Radiation therapy:
Over time, radiation therapy may damage blood vessels to the penis, preventing blood flow and affecting erectile function.
What is E.D.?
E.D. is the consistent inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
If you are experiencing E.D., speak to your urologist about permanent, drug-free treatment options, such as a penile implant.
If you are a man near Tampa, contact Dr. Jared J. Wallen today for your appointment to help put an end to your urinary issues.