Treatment for Men Proceeds in Stages

Treatment for urinary incontinence for men varies, depending upon the kind of incontinence and how much the symptoms bother them. Treatment will be different for men with total incontinence or who cannot meet with or tolerate specific treatments due to serious illness or disease. Usually, treatment progresses in phases:

• Behavioral strategies are the first course of treatment for all forms of incontinence: reducing the amount of liquids consumed, eliminating caffeinated and carbonated drinks, and developing a schedule for urinating
• Exercise on a regular basis is key for physical and emotional health. Some men with the condition do not exercise because they are afraid that it will cause leakage. Yet, regular exercise is vital and can help them manage stress and tone their muscles.
• Absorbent materials including pads or diapers may be an option if their incontinence is not a major disruption and if they are going through a different treatment and waiting to see whether the incontinence disappears
• Medication may be prescribed, depending on the type of incontinence
• Self-catheterization is an option when men have overflow incontinence (leakage that happens when the quantity of urine produced surpasses the bladder's holding capacity) or if surgery is not the best option for the individual
• Surgery is a last resort, after all other options have failed to cure the incontinence