Bladder Control Problems in Men

When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep? If you are like most men, that may be a hard thing to remember. Changes in bladder function can make your activities revolve around your bathroom schedule. From interruptions of movies or activities with friends, to limiting car rides, bladder control problems can take control your life. The changes that men experience include more frequent urination, sudden urges to urinate, needing two or more trips to the bathroom just to empty your bladder, nighttime urination and incontinence (partial or complete loss of bladder control that can be so embarrassing that it makes some men avoid activities and social activities).

It doesn’t have to be that way. From new medications to in-office biofeedback bladder exercises to new simple office based or outpatient procedures, help may only be a few office visits away.

There are many reasons for bladder control problems, such as bladder infections, back injuries, neurologic (nerve) conditions, excessive liquid intake, food allergies, prostate problems (benign or cancer), side effects of medications you take for other medical conditions and side effects of surgical procedures (such as prostate surgery).

Perhaps the most important part of a bladder control problem is that it may indicate a more serious problem, such as prostate or bladder cancer. Also, do not confuse an overactive bladder with BPH. An office visit is usually all that is needed to have a good urologic evaluation to put your mind at rest. New, simple treatments include minimally invasive office procedures to shrink enlarged prostate, computer-assisted bladder training exercises and the new Interstim® bladder therapy.