Urinary Incontinence Treatment Options

Urinary Incontinence Treatment Options

There are a number of different treatment options available – medications, external devices, surgical procedures – to help you improve your urinary incontinence. Talk you your doctor to determine the method that’s right for you.

Medication & Drug Therapy

  • There are prescription medications available that can relieve the symptoms of urinary incontinence in some of people
  • Medications are typically recommended for men with chronic urinary incontinence symptoms
  • If treatment is successful, symptoms may ease in about a month
  • Common side effects can include dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation and headache1

External Devices

  • There are external devices that help manage symptoms for men with more severe urinary incontinence. Two common options include:
    • External catheter collection system2 – a condom-like sheath that is placed over the penis and drains urine through a tube into a drainage bag, which can be worn on your leg or attached to your abdomen
    • Penile compression device3 –often referred to as a “penile clamp,” this device mechanically compresses the soft tissue of the penis to block urine leakage from occurring

Surgical Procedures4

  • In certain cases, surgery has been proven an effective method to improve or cure urinary incontinence. There are three main types of urinary incontinence surgery:
    • Injectable Fillers – a surgeon injects a collagen-like substance into the tissues surrounding the urethra to improve urinary muscle control
    • Male Sling – a treatment option performed on men who suffer from mild to severe incontinence, the procedure involves implanting a mesh into the body to compress the urethra
    • Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS) – a device surgically implanted into men that simulates the urinary sphincter function. The AUS is comprised of three components: a pump placed inside the scrotum, a cuff that closes the urethra and a pressure regulating balloon placed in the lower abdomen

Footnotes:

  1. Newman, D. “Overactive Bladder Treatments”. SeekWellness.com. Last updated: 3.09.
  2. Newman, D.K. (2009). Managing and Treating Urinary Incontinence, Second Edition (pp. 425-442). Baltimore: Health Professions Press
  3. Newman, D.K. (2009). Managing and Treating Urinary Incontinence, Second Edition (pp. 464-466). Baltimore: Health Professions Press
  4. “Male Stress Urinary Incontinence,” National Association For Continence, edited by Judd Moul, March 30, 2009

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