Faith Regional Health Services | living WELL | Summer 2020

FRHS.ORG 7 Men can have bladder problems too While urinary incontinence most often strikes women, a lot of men are also living with bladder-control problems that may prevent them from socializ- ing, being active and enjoying life. Urinary incontinence in men can have many causes, such as: •  Prostate problems, including an enlarged prostate. •  Nerve damage from an injury to the brain or spinal cord. •  Neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. •  Physical inactivity and obesity. Some men may try to keep their incontinence to themselves. But they shouldn’t. If you’re a man who leaks urine, tell your primary care provider. Treatment is available. And talking about it is the first step. Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Speak up Yes, admitting to accidents can be embarrassing. But don’t keep a treatable problem a secret. Incontinence can often be controlled or cured. “The first step is to tell your primary care provider that you’re having problems,” says Dr. Yemi. “Your pro- vider can do an initial evaluation and determine if you need to be seen by a urologist.” Your provider may also advise: Kegel exercises. You do them by squeezing the muscles you use to stop or slow urination. Lifestyle changes. If you’re overweight, dropping Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; American Urological Association; Office on Women’s Health pounds may make urine leaks less frequent. So can stopping smoking, drinking less caffeine and eating enough fiber to avoid constipation. Bladder training. You may regain bladder control by going to the bathroom at set times—before you get the urge—and slowly increasing the time between trips. Medications. Estrogen cream may help if you have mild stress incontinence. And certain medicines can also prevent the bladder spasms that cause urge incontinence. Surgery. When more conservative measures fail, surgery may be helpful for stress incontinence.