Bladder weakness due to physical changes
Incontinence in men can be caused by various factors. The most common causes are an enlarged prostate and weak pelvic floor muscles.
Prostate enlargement
One of the main causes of incontinence in men is an enlarged prostate. This organ grows throughout life. The prostate, which is initially about the size of a chestnut, can grow to the size of an orange with age. After a certain age, it can become so large that it compresses the urethra. This narrowing of the urethra means that urine is not completely expelled when urinating. The rest often comes out uncontrollably in drops, which is known as overflow incontinence (chronic urinary retention).
Ageing process
Prostate enlargement is a normal aging process and affects almost every man. This increase in volume is usually benign and differs from a malignant enlargement such as prostate cancer.
Symptoms
As the prostate enlarges, it can compress the urethra, which obstructs the flow of urine and leads to symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine stream or residual urine formation.
Weak pelvic floor muscles
Another common cause of incontinence in men is weak pelvic floor muscles. Men who have recently had prostate surgery are particularly affected. After the prostate has been removed, the pelvic floor muscles can be weakened, leading to stress incontinence. This type of incontinence occurs when pressure is created in the abdominal cavity, for example when lifting heavy loads, coughing or laughing.
Other causes
In addition to prostate enlargement and weak pelvic floor muscles, there are other factors that can lead to incontinence in men.
Inflammation of the urinary tract
These occur particularly frequently in young men and can lead to temporary incontinence.
Diseases
Chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus or the consequences of strokes can impair bladder function.
Psychological stress
High psychological stress or traumatic experiences can also lead to involuntary loss of urine.
Early prevention
Incontinence in men is often linked to the natural aging process and the associated enlargement of the prostate. From around the age of 50, the likelihood of men developing symptoms of bladder weakness increases. Regular medical check-ups are therefore important in order to detect changes in the prostate at an early stage and to take appropriate measures to treat or prevent incontinence. The correct diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the quality of life and help to regain control of the bladder.