Stress incontinence in men


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Stress incontinence in men


Stress incontinence occurs when a man unintentionally releases a small amount of urine when he coughs, laughs, strains, lifts, or changes posture. It is most common after a man has had his prostate gland removed and there was damage to the nerves or to the external bladder outlet valve (sphincter). After a man's prostate gland is removed, the bladder neck no longer has adequate support from the prostate. The sphincter must then do all the work of maintaining continence, and the extra pressure of sneezing, coughing, or straining forces urine past the outlet.

Stress incontinence is often treated with behavioral therapies but may require surgery if the problem is severe and persistent.

Credits


Author Monica Rhodes
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
Last Updated July 21, 2008

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Last updated: July 21, 2008
Author: Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
Editors: Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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