Male incontinence from OAB and SUI is common, treatable, and manageable. Men don’t have to suffer in silence.
Sarah Jenkins
Executive Director, National Association For Continence
Urinary incontinence is often considered a “women’s issue” or linked solely to prostate problems in men. However, millions of men silently struggle with urinary incontinence, most commonly caused by overactive bladder (OAB) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). These conditions are not only common; they’re manageable and treatable. It’s time to break the stigma and open the conversation.
What is male incontinence?
OAB includes:
- Urgency — sudden, strong need to urinate
- Frequency — urinating more than 8 times per day
- Nocturia — waking during the night to urinate
- Urge incontinence — leakage when you can’t reach the bathroom in time
SUI is urine leakage during activities like coughing, laughing, or lifting. It often results from weakened sphincter muscles, frequently after prostate surgery.
Why does it happen?
OAB triggers:
- Aging bladder muscles
- Bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol, sweeteners)
- Constipation putting pressure on the bladder
- Prostate enlargement (BPH), leading to bladder changes
- Neurological conditions (Parkinson’s, MS, diabetes)
- Radiation treatment for prostate cancer
SUI triggers:
- Prostate surgery (especially prostatectomy)
- Weakening of or injury to the urinary sphincter
- Pelvic trauma or nerve damage
- Age-related muscle decline
OAB and SUI can severely affect daily life:
- Avoiding social events or intimacy
- Fear of accidents in public
- Poor sleep from nighttime urination
- Depression, anxiety, and isolation
- Loss of confidence
Many men adopt coping behaviors: locating bathrooms in advance, wearing dark clothing, using absorbent products, or limiting fluid intake. While understandable, these approaches aren’t long-term solutions and can worsen symptoms over time.
Diagnosing the problem
It’s important to distinguish between prostate-related voiding issues, OAB, and SUI. Some men may have a combination of all three. Accurate diagnosis by a urologist is key to finding the right treatment.
Finding the right treatment
1. Lifestyle and behavior changes
- Avoid bladder irritants
- Urinate on a schedule (timed voiding)
- Manage constipation
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay physically active
- Use discreet, absorbent support products
2. Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Kegel exercises strengthen pelvic muscles
- Guided therapy improves control for both OAB and SUI
3. Medications (for OAB)
- Beta-3 agonists and anticholinergics help relax the bladder
- May be combined with BPH medications
4. Advanced therapies
- Neuromodulation (nerve stimulation)
- Botox injections to calm overactive bladder muscles
5. Surgical solutions (for SUI)
- Male sling for mild to moderate leakage
- Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) for more severe cases
You are not alone
Millions of men live with incontinence. The National Association for Continence (NAFC) provides free support, education, a “Find a Doctor” tool, and the “Life Without Leaks” podcast.
Visit nafc.org to access expert information and hear real stories from men like you. Whether it’s OAB, SUI, or both, male incontinence is common, manageable, and nothing to be ashamed of. Speak up. Seek support. Take back control of your bladder — and your life.
