Urinary Incontinence in Men

Treatment other than surgery or medicine may be used to treat urinary incontinence.

For stress incontinence

Biofeedback, a technique that helps you learn to control a specific body function, may be an option for some men who have stress incontinence or urge incontinence.

For urge incontinence

Behavioral therapies such as biofeedback and bladder training can be used to treat urge incontinence.

For overflow incontinence

Some men may require intermittent self-catheterization. During this procedure, a catheter is inserted into the bladder, usually 3 to 4 times a day.

Other Treatment Choices

• Catheterization may be used to treat severe incontinence that cannot be managed with medicines or surgery. Catheters do not cure incontinence but rather allow you or a caregiver to manage incontinence.
  • Intermittent self-catheterization is done with a thin, flexible, hollow tube (catheter) that is inserted through the urethra into the bladder, allowing the urine to drain out.
  • Indwelling catheterization uses a catheter that remains in place continuously. For more information, see the topic Care for an Indwelling Urinary Catheter.
  • Condom or Texas catheter uses a special condom that can be attached to a tube for short-term use. The condom, placed over the penis, keeps the tube in place. The tube allows the urine to drain out.
• Behavioral therapies, including biofeedback and pelvic muscle exercises, are used to treat urge incontinence.
• Absorbent products, items that absorb urine, may be used to manage any form of incontinence.

What To Think About

Men often use absorbent products, such as pads or diapers, when other methods of treating incontinence have failed or cannot be used. Some men may prefer to use absorbent products rather than taking medicines or having surgery. They may also use absorbent products after surgery for prostate cancer, while they are waiting to see if their incontinence goes away. This method does not treat the incontinence but manages the problem instead. In general, absorbent products should only be used along with a more specific treatment, because use of absorbent products can hide a more serious condition that may be curable.