As they get older, bladder control problems impact the lives of many men. In fact, almost all men are affected by bladder issues at some point in their lives. As we age, subtle changes in our body can affect our ability to hold or control urination. This can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable problem. For many it significantly diminishes their quality of life.

Bladder problems can cause a number of unpleasant effects like unintentional dripping or leakage. Bladder issues can also lead to an increase frequency in urination or a heightened sense of urgency in needing to urinate. Bladder problems can come in different forms and from different causes. Understanding bladder control problems is the first step in improving the health of your bladder.

Types of Bladder Control Problems

There are several kinds of bladder control problems that can affect men. Urinary incontinence is a common form of bladder control problem that results in unwanted leakage. Urine can accidentally be forced out when you sneeze, cough or perform any action that press down on the bladder. Leakage can also follow a sudden, urgent need to urinate, or can even occur as a constant drip.
The condition referred to as an overactive bladder can also cause significant trouble. An overactive bladder may force urine through the urethra at inopportune times. Some symptoms of overactive bladder are the frequent need to urinate, frequent waking at night to urinate, sudden onset of an urgent need to urinate or dripping that follows that sudden urge to urinate.

Causes of Bladder Control Problems

Most bladder control problems are often caused by the enlargement of the prostate. Bladder problems can also be cause by issues with the nerves that stimulate and control urination. In the cases of overactive bladder sometimes the cause is not certain.

Prostate Issues

The prostate is the gland below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra and supplies much of the fluid in ejaculate. As men age it is very common for this gland to become enlarged, pinching the urethra and blocking the normal flow of urine.

When the urethra is constricted it can produce symptoms such as a weak stream when urinating, sudden onsets of a feeling of urgently needing to urinate followed by dripping, the frequent need to urinate and waking at night to urinate. There are several treatments for prostate enlargement. Your urologist may recommend radiation treatment or surgery to reduce the size of your prostate to allow urine to flow more normally and allow you to regain control of your bladder.

Nerve Issues

Damaged or compressed nerves can also cause problems with urination. These nerves can confuse signals, send false signals to the bladder telling it to release at the wrong time, or even fail to relay the conscious desire to release urine intentionally. These types of nerve issues can be caused by injuries to the spinal cord, or by other health conditions such as a stroke or diabetes. Nerve issues can be difficult to treat, but your doctor may prescribe medication to help alleviate the problem so that you can better control your bladder.