Stress Urinary Incontinence Treatment in Paducah, KY
Male Incontinence Q&A
What is Male Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence refers to the loss of bladder control or leaking of urine. Male SUI occurs when there is involuntary leakage of urine during activities that put pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects.
Whether you’re experiencing mild or severe symptoms of SUI, Dr. L. Andrew Evans will work closely with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns and goals. From conservative therapies to advanced surgical techniques, we offer a range of options to effectively manage SUI and restore your confidence.
Contact Dr. Evans urology clinic in Paducah, KY today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward regaining control of your bladder function.
How is male incontinence diagnosed?
Dr. Evans will begin with a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history and current symptoms. If Dr. Evans thinks it is necessary, he may also recommend testing be done such as a urinalysis or cystoscopy to look for other possible causes. Once the physical exam, medical history questionnaire, and testing have been completed, Dr. Evans will likely be able to make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan.
The Different Types of Incontinence
Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a condition characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine during moments of physical stress, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise. This type of incontinence occurs when the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and urethra, are weakened, leading to insufficient closure of the urethral sphincter.
Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine. This condition often occurs due to abnormal bladder contractions, which can be due to neurological disorders, infections, or bladder irritants, and is not necessarily related to physical stress or activity.
Mixed Incontinence
Mixed incontinence is a condition that combines symptoms of both stress urinary incontinence and urge incontinence, leading to urine leakage associated with physical exertion and an overwhelming need to urinate. This form of incontinence is often experienced by individuals who may leak urine upon sneezing or lifting heavy objects and also feel a sudden, intense urge to urinate that is difficult to control.
Stress Incontinence After Prostate Cancer Treatment
Stress incontinence can sometimes occur in men following prostate cancer treatment, particularly after surgical procedures such as a prostatectomy. The surgery can weaken the muscles of the pelvic floor and the sphincter, the structures responsible for controlling urine flow, leading to involuntary leakage during physical activities like lifting or coughing. This type of incontinence is a common side effect and can significantly impact quality of life, prompting many men to seek various treatments to regain urinary control.
Surgical Solutions for Stress Incontinence
Dr. Evans usually uses surgery as the last option for treating stress incontinence, especially if your symptoms are not severe. Dr. Evans will typically start treatment with behavioral changes like how much liquid you drink and when. He may also recommend you try exercises like bladder training or pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen the muscles that control your bladder.
If your symptoms persist or get worse, Dr. Evans may recommend medications to help you control you bladder, or surgical intervention. Due to the invasive nature of surgery, it is usually used as a last resort when all other treatments have failed. When surgery is recommended, Dr. Evans prefers to use the AMS 800™Artificial Urinary Sphincter.
AMS 800™Artificial Urinary Sphincter
The AMS 800™ Artificial Urinary Sphincter is a surgically implanted device designed to treat urinary incontinence, particularly in men who have undergone prostate surgery. It mimics the function of a healthy urinary sphincter by utilizing a cuff that encircles the urethra to control the flow of urine, which can be manually controlled through a pump placed in the scrotum. This device provides a means to restore continence and improve quality of life for individuals suffering from severe stress urinary incontinence.
AdVance™ XP Male Sling System
Dr. Evans uses a mesh to create a “sling” that is placed beneath the urethra, the tube that allows urine to flow. By supporting and raising the neck of the bladder (the area where the bladder connects to the urethra) as well as the urethra, this sling functions as a hammock to lessen the chance of leaks.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
You don’t have to live with this uncomfortable condition. It can be embarrassing and negatively impact your daily life. You do not need to rearrange your activities because of incontinence. Contact Dr. Andrew Evans urology clinic in Paducah, KY at (270) 442-3539 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward regaining control of your bladder function.