Urinary Dysfunction in Men

Urinary dysfunction can be embarrassing to talk about and embarrassing to endure. Some men who suffer from this condition end up being afraid to leave their homes for fear of being caught in an awkward situation in public. Fortunately, there is help available, and it may not be as difficult to address as you fear. Depending on the cause of your urinary dysfunction, it is possible that treatment may be as simple as taking some medications to help relax the muscles around your bladder. Here’s more information.

Types of Urinary Dysfunction

There are a number of areas where a problem can lead to urinary dysfunction. Some men, due to an enlarged prostate, have a difficult time completely emptying their bladder. This is known as a voiding issue. Others, for a number of reasons, have difficulty keeping the urine in their bladder from spilling out before they are ready. This is a storage issue.

Whether you suffer from a voiding problem or a storage one—or some combination of the two—there is hope for you. With today’s technology, it is possible to treat urinary dysfunction, often without the need to resort to invasive surgery.

Treatment for Urinary Dysfunction

Of course, the treatment you need will depend on a number of factors, most notably the cause of your urinary dysfunction. Some men, particularly those with a storage issue, can simply train themselves to delay urinating.

This technique involves deliberately delaying the beginning of urination after you feel the need to go. The idea is to begin with a short period of time—perhaps five or ten minutes—and slowly increase the length of time between trips to the bathroom. Eventually, you’ll reach the point of being able to delay urination for a couple of hours.

Likewise, your doctor may suggest certain pelvic muscle exercises to help strengthen your ability to control your urine flow. Another option would be electrical stimulation to help the same muscles.
Medications may be used, including medications to increase the volume of urine you can hold in your bladder. In some cases, surgery may be an option, depending on the specific cause of your urinary dysfunction.

Regardless of your exact issues, you should be aware that help is available. Although urinary dysfunction may seem embarrassing, your doctor has likely seen it before and will be able to help you. Don’t hesitate to talk with your healthcare provider if you are struggling with this condition.