Urinary Incontinence in Young Men Is More Common Than You Think
Urinary incontinence is a condition that is often associated with women’s conditions like pregnancy and menopause, or just for older men. The reason for that is that many of the symptoms and conditions of urinary incontinence are related to childbirth and monthly cycles, including aging.
However, the most recent data reveals that urinary incontinence is surprisingly common in young men as well, especially when a medical condition is involved. It can be useful to understand the prevalence of this condition in men under 55, to help reduce the stigma associated with urinary incontinence and get you the relief you deserve.
MDP (Male Drip Protection) is here to help. In addition to offering our patented product for managing the effects of light urinary incontinence, we’re sharing all you need to know about resources, information, treatment and management practices for urinary incontinence.
Get the support you need on your urinary incontinence journey with MDP today.
Urinary Incontinence in Young Men
Did you know that nearly 12 million men in the United States have some form of urinary leakage and urinary incontinence? While the majority of those with urinary incontinence are over the age of 55, it’s important to acknowledge that a reported three percent of men between the ages of 15 and 44 have also experienced symptoms of this condition.
Here at MDP, nearly half of our clients are under 55, and these younger men want exactly what the older guys want as well: relief and peace of mind from worrying about leaks throughout the day or night.
It’s also important to acknowledge that the condition of urine leakage can be embarrassing and difficult to talk about for men, which means the number of men actually coping with urinary incontinence is likely much higher than reported. Reducing that stigma and making it easier to talk about the condition can be a great step toward getting many men the care and medical support they need.
There are many different types of urinary incontinence, but the most common type found in men under 55 is overactive bladder syndrome, which sends a signal of urgent urination to the brain, even when the bladder is not completely full.
There are many different reasons this may occur, but the good news is that there are many different treatment and management options available today. Common methods for managing or even treating urinary incontinence may include behavioral therapies, like Kegel exercises or bladder training, changes in medication, or surgery if needed.
A common factor resulting in urinary incontinence can actually be diet triggers, which include caffeine and alcohol — both common in the diets of younger men. Making simple changes to the diet can have a big effect when it comes to reducing urinary incontinence frequency and effects.
Common Causes for Urinary Incontinence Under 55
Because there are many different causes for urinary incontinence in men under 55, it’s useful to understand why you’re experiencing certain symptoms and conditions before you begin the treatment and management process.
Here are some of the most common conditions and contributions to urinary incontinence in young men.
Certain Medications
Doctors may recommend changing your medications when it comes to managing the effects of urinary incontinence. That’s because certain medications, like antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, and sedatives, can contribute to urinary incontinence.
It’s also true that over-the-counter medications or recreational drugs, such as opioids, diuretics, and diet medicines, can affect bladder control and increase urges and leaks. Even cold medicines can contribute to urinary incontinence, which is useful to remember if you experience sudden onset symptoms.
You also want to look at the food and drinks you’re consuming. Alcohol and caffeine, which young people commonly consume, are both diuretics, as they stimulate the bladder and contribute to overactivity. It’s useful to consider how alcohol and caffeine interact with each other and any medications you might be taking to get to the root cause of the urinary incontinence you may be experiencing.
Prostate Conditions
Another very common type of urinary incontinence is overflow incontinence, which occurs when the bladder can’t empty completely. This may occur if you don’t feel the urge to urinate early enough, or if something is blocking the urine from flowing.
Most often, the urine is blocked by conditions related to the enlargement of the prostate, which can cause a blockage of urine and affects the bladder’s ability to empty. One of the most common causes of prostate enlargement is hormone changes, which is why it’s often apparent in older men.
While the complete list of causes for prostate enlargement isn’t known, there are ways to treat prostate enlargement and get relief from overflow incontinence.
If you notice symptoms of prostate enlargement, such as difficulty starting the flow of urine, the urge to urinate at night, or a weak flow of urine, it’s a good idea to speak with your medical team about urinary incontinence related to an enlarged prostate. They can offer solutions and treatment options for you moving forward.
Neurological Conditions
Reflex incontinence is another type of urinary incontinence, often resulting from neurological conditions. It can lead to urine leaks without any warning, and strong urges to urinate, when urine will begin to leak, often in larger quantities than with other types of urinary incontinence.
One of the reasons this is a common type of urinary incontinence for young men is that it can affect men that might otherwise not have incontinence issues. It’s brought on by neurological conditions, like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, that can affect how the body sends signals to the brain. It may also result from damage to the spinal cord, which can occur during physical activity, or from an accident.
Bacterial Infections
Another reason young men may be experiencing the effects of urinary incontinence is an infection. Infections, like urinary tract infections or UTIs, can have an acute and temporary effect on the function of the bladder and the surrounding systems.
They can contribute to an increased need to urinate and may affect how long you can hold your urine throughout the day or night. They can also affect several different parts and systems within the urinary system, from the kidneys to the urethra.
Left untreated, UTIs can develop into serious infections and conditions, so it’s important to seek treatment for a UTI as soon as you notice the symptoms.
Conclusion
While we often think about urinary incontinence as a condition for older people, the truth is that it affects a great number of younger men around the world. There should be no stigma associated with urinary incontinence, and guys are finally talking more about this common condition so they can get the treatment they deserve.
Our team here at MDP is dedicated to shedding light on this all-important men’s health issue, and providing a form-fitting solution for light male incontinence.
While it is true that young men can develop urinary incontinence for reasons similar to older men, it’s important to look at the specific reasons to understand the root cause of each man’s condition, regardless of age. This will help young men to get the treatment and care they deserve, so they can begin to get relief from symptoms of urinary incontinence.
MDP offers a form fitting, two-strap design that will stay in place all day long so you can attend your favorite games, concerts, and events without worry. And we’re sharing all you need to know about managing the effects of urinary incontinence, like why it occurs in men under 55 and what good practices are for care and treatment.
Learn about your next steps on the incontinence journey with the support of MDP today. Find us at mdp4men.com.
Sources:
Overactive bladder - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic
Overflow Incontinence: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | Cleveland Clinic