Male Incontinence: Causes, Prevention, and Treatments

There are still a number of topics that remain taboo when we talk about men and their sexuality, but if there’s something we like to do on this blog, it’s address these issues openly. Today I’m going to talk to you about urinary incontinence, which still causes embarrassment for many men. However, the reality is that it’s a much more common problem than we think. According to the European Association of Urology (2023), up to 16% of men over the age of 40 experience some degree of involuntary urine leakage at some point in their lives.

The problem is that only a minority seek professional help. The good news, however, is that male incontinence has solutions. And the earlier it’s addressed, the easier it is to manage. That’s why, in this article, I want to explain what causes it, how to prevent it, and what treatment options exist, both medical and self-care approaches.

What is Male Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of urine that occurs when control over the urinary sphincter is lost. Although it is often associated with aging, it can appear at any age for different reasons.

There are several types:

• Stress incontinence: occurs when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or performing physical exertion.

• Urge incontinence: a sudden, intense urge to urinate that cannot be controlled.

• Mixed incontinence: a combination of both.

• Post-micturition dribble: small leaks after urinating, common in men with a weak pelvic floor.

As is usually the case, understanding which type of incontinence you have is the first step in choosing the most appropriate treatment. So, take note.

Most Common Causes

Male incontinence can have multiple causes: physical, functional, or emotional. That’s why it’s important to understand the most common ones:

1. Prostate surgeries: Certain procedures, such as prostatectomy (partial or total removal of the prostate), can affect the muscles and nerves that control urination.

2. Weak pelvic floor: These muscles, located at the base of the pelvis, support the bladder and help control the release of urine. Sedentary lifestyle, aging, or lack of specific exercise often weaken them.

3. Neurological problems: Although they are less common in younger men, there are several conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or spinal cord injuries that can interfere with communication between the brain and the bladder.

4. Overweight and poor habits: Excess weight puts pressure on the bladder, and heavy consumption of alcohol, coffee, or tobacco can also impair its function.

5. Stress and anxiety: The emotional component should not be underestimated, as chronic stress often affects muscle control and worsens symptoms.

6. Use of certain medications: Some diuretics, antidepressants, or antihypertensive drugs influence urinary frequency or affect sphincter control.

How to Know if You Have an Incontinence Problem

Not all urine leakage is a cause for alarm, but it’s important to pay attention to certain signs:

• Dribbling when coughing or laughing.

• Frequent sensation of urgency.

• Needing to urinate more than 8 times a day.

• Waking up at night to urinate.

• Constant moisture or irritation in the genital area.

If any of these symptoms appear repeatedly, it is advisable to consult a urologist or a physiotherapist who specializes in the male pelvic floor. The earlier the cause is evaluated, the better the treatment response will be.

The Role of the Pelvic Floor in Male Incontinence

For years it was believed that the pelvic floor was only an important topic in the female world, but today we know that it is an essential part of male well-being as well. A strong pelvic floor helps to:

• Better control urination.

• Prevent post-urination dribbling.

• Improve muscle function and overall body control.

There are specific exercises to work this area— such as the well-known Kegel exercises—but not all men should perform them on their own. In fact, doing the exercises without guidance can be counterproductive if a professional assessment has not been done first.

A specialized physiotherapist can help you learn the correct technique, identify whether there is tension or weakness, and create a plan tailored to your situation. Remember that the pelvic floor is not only about strength: it also needs to relax and regain elasticity.

Prevention: healthy habits that make a difference

Prevention, as with many conditions, is the most effective tool to avoid incontinence or reduce its symptoms. To achieve this, there are some very simple but quite effective habits:

1. Maintain a healthy weight: each extra kilo can put additional pressure on the bladder and pelvic muscles.

2. Avoid constipation: repeated straining during bowel movements weakens the pelvic floor. If this is an issue, increase your intake of fiber and fluids.

3. Limit alcohol, coffee, and tobacco consumption: these substances irritate the bladder and increase the urge to urinate.

4. Do moderate physical exercise: activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga strengthen the body without overloading the pelvis.

5. Don’t hold urine for too long: doing so weakens the pelvic muscles and may contribute to infections.

6. Manage stress: relaxation or mindfulness techniques can improve control over the body and bladder.

Available Treatments

The treatment for male incontinence depends on the type, cause, and severity of the case. The main options include:

1. Pelvic floor retraining

With the help of a specialized physiotherapist, personalized exercises are used to strengthen and coordinate the muscles involved in continence. In some cases, biofeedback or electrostimulation  techniques may be used.

2. Lifestyle changes

Some strategies that are quite simple but effective include reducing caffeine, improving hydration, and establishing regular bathroom schedules, as mentioned earlier.

3. Medical therapies

There are medications that help control the bladder or relax the muscles, especially in cases of urge incontinence. However, as a general rule, it’s always advisable to consult a healthcare professional when considering medication-based treatments.

4. Surgeries and devices

In more severe cases, a urologist may recommend a surgical intervention (such as an artificial sphincter or a support sling). However, most cases are resolved with more conservative treatments.

5. Male intimate care

An often-overlooked aspect is the care of the intimate area. Maintaining proper hygiene and using products that respect the natural pH helps prevent irritation and discomfort caused by moisture or absorbent products.

The MYHIXEL Intimate Care line, for example, is specifically designed to maintain the natural balance of male skin, helping to prevent discomfort and mild infections.

The Emotional Impact: When Incontinence Affects Self-Esteem

Beyond the physical aspect, incontinence has a strong psychological component. Many men feel embarrassment, frustration, or even fear of leaving the house or doing everyday activities due to the possibility of an involuntary leak. This feeling of loss of control can affect self-esteem and personal confidence, but it’s important to remember that this condition does not define a person or their masculinity.

In Summary

Male incontinence is not a sign of weakness, nor is it something inevitable with age. It is a treatable condition that improves significantly with early diagnosis, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes.

Paying attention to your body’s signals, caring for the pelvic floor, and maintaining healthy habits are the best tools for long-term control and well-being.

If you notice changes in your urinary control, don’t ignore them, consult a professional. Most men who seek help regain their quality of life within just a few weeks. And remember: taking care of your intimate health is also taking care of yourself.

References

• Gravas, S., Gacci, M., Gratzke, C., Herrmann, T. R. W., Karavitakis, M., Kyriazis, I., Malde, S., Mamoulakis, C., Rieken, M., Sakalis, V. I., Schouten, N., Speakman, M. J., Tikkinen, K. A. O., & Cornu, J. N. (2023). Summary Paper on the 2023 European Association of Urology Guidelines on the Management of Non-neurogenic Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. European urology, 84(2), 207–222.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2023.04.008 

• Abrams, P., Andersson, K. E., Birder, L., Brubaker, L., Cardozo, L., Chapple, C., Cottenden, A., Davila, W., de Ridder, D., Dmochowski, R., Drake, M., Dubeau, C., Fry, C., Hanno, P., Smith, J. H., Herschorn, S., Hosker, G., Kelleher, C., Koelbl, H., Khoury, S., … Fourth International Consultation on Incontinence (2010). Fourth International Consultation on Incontinence Recommendations of the International Scientific Committee: Evaluation and treatment of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence. Neurourology and urodynamics, 29(1), 213–240.  https://doi.org/10.1002/nau.20870 

• Grimes WR, Stratton M. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. [Updated 2023 Jun 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559246/ 

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2022). Urinary Incontinence in Men.