Enlarged prostate surgery
Some degree of bladder leakage may occur after treatment of an enlarged prostate gland (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).1 The prostate gland sits just below the bladder and wraps around the urethra. As you age, your prostate gland may start to grow and may eventually squeeze or partially block urine flow.
Pelvic trauma
Pelvic trauma in men can be the result of a car accident, fall, and/or straddle injuries (injuries to the area between the legs). When trauma impacts the urethra, the damage can lead to bladder leakage.
This type of trauma can range in its severity and some injuries can require immediate or delayed urinary reconstruction. For more severe injuries, some men continue to have bladder control problems.2 Pelvic trauma can also damage the nerves that run alongside the urethra, which can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED).3
Approximately 50% of men who have urethral injuries from pelvic fractures will still have some degree of erectile dysfunction once they recover.4
Finding additional support
Many patients find support from these organizations when dealing with bladder control issues. There may be a chapter in your area.
Recognizing men’s health as a specific social concern and committed to promoting issues affecting men’s health.
Organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with incontinence, voiding dysfunction, and related pelvic floor disorders.
References
- About Incontinence—Contributing Factors—Prostate Problems in Men. The Simon Foundation for Continence. http://www.simonfoundation.org/about_incontinence_contributing_factors_prostate.html. Accessed June 2024.
- Herschorn S, Bruschini H, Comiter C, et al. Surgical treatment of stress incontinence in men. Neurourol Urodyn. 2010;29(1):179-90.
- Kotkin L, Koch MO. Impotence and incontinence after immediate realignment of posterior urethral trauma: result of injury or management? J Urol. 1996 May;155(5):1600-3.
- Urethral Trauma. Urology Care Foundation Website. http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/urethral-trauma. Accessed June 2024.