Enlarged Prostate and Incontinence

August 29, 2018

By Robert Recker

By age 60, men have a 50% chance of having an enlarged prostate. That increases to 90% by age 85! Enlarged prostate and prostate treatments are among the leading causes of male urinary incontinence. While prostate cancer, prostate surgery, and other enlarged prostate issues are already overlooked and under-discussed by our society, the resulting urinary incontinence is even more taboo.

However, to properly treat and help the nearly 3 million American men with prostate cancer (not including prostate surgery or enlarged prostate), we need to discuss urinary incontinence and how to manage it.

We get it, no man wants to deal with an enlarged prostate or go through prostate surgery. But with a little information and help from your doctor, recovery can be a lot smoother. Since 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is worth knowing the risk, the treatment, and the outcomes of prostate surgery!

What is an Enlarged Prostate?

The prostate is essential to the urinary tract because the urethra runs through the prostate from the bladder out the end of the penis. As men age, the prostate begins to grow, and the growth of the prostate can cause serious problems to the urinary tract. Typically, the prostate is about the size of a walnut, but as a man ages into his 50’s, 60’s and beyond, it can grow to the size of a lemon!

Some growth of the prostate may not be a problem, but large growth, the location of the growth, and how it affects the bladder and urethra may cause more serious issues. The common symptoms men experience with an enlarged prostate are:

• Frequent urination
• Inability to empty the bladder completely
• Trouble urinating or initiating flow even when the bladder feels full
• A weak or interrupted urinary stream
• Sudden urge to urinate

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your primary care physician to discuss the steps you should take.

Enlarged Prostate Treatment

There are a variety of treatments for an enlarged prostate. Treatments include non-invasive, surgical, and pharmaceutical treatment. For more information on enlarged prostate, read this article from the National Association for Continence.

The Prostate and Incontinence

Many treatments for an enlarged prostate can disrupt the urinary tract, resulting in urine leakage and in some cases urinary incontinence. Men should expect to experience problems with urinary control following prostate treatment. Often, men who experience slight urine leakage after prostate surgery or another treatment can rebuild bladder muscles and regain urinary control. However, it is common for men to experience leakage for a longer period, or even permanently. The incontinence experienced following prostate treatment is generally light, meaning it is light leakage and dribbles, rather than full loss of control. However, each case is different and may affect people differently. If you have an enlarged prostate or have gone through surgery, it is important that you understand the risk of incontinence and feel comfortable addressing it. Incontinence is a normal result of post prostate treatment!

The Right Product

The right product for you depends on your level of incontinence, lifestyle, comfort, and other factors. At Tranquility,  we know that men want the freedom to pursue their daily activities, so we have carefully designed the new Tranquility Male Guard. The Male Guard is designed specifically for men, so it fits better and is more comfortable. It features 9.5 oz. of absorbent capacity, so it will absorb and protect better than most products in its class. The Male Guard is worn inside traditional underwear, so it is easy to wear, change, and is discrete. Incontinence can cause people to limit their activity, stay indoors, and avoid social interaction due to worries of leaks or embarrassment. With the Tranquility Male Guard, you can get back on your feet, and get back out enjoying the activities you love with the people you love. At Tranquility, we’ve designed our products to perform When Performance Matters Most!

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information about incontinence, health, and related subjects. The content in this blog, and any linked resources, are not intended and should not be taken as medical advice. If you or any other person has a medical concern, please consult a licensed physician.

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