It is a myth that incontinence only occurs in older women. Younger, childless women can experience incontinence and so can men. Bladder control problems in men are more prevalent than you may think.

Male incontinence is less common than female, but it does happen to millions of men. One of the main causes for male incontinence is prostate removal as a part of treatment for cancer. Men who have had surgery for prostate cancer are more likely to suffer from stress incontinence, which is an involuntary urine leak that happens while coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercising. Men who suffer from stress incontinence but have not had prostate surgery may be suffering from another underlying condition. This could be a neurological disorder, a spine injury, or diabetes.

Bladder incontinence in men can be caused by obesity, which puts pressure on the bladder. It can also be caused by smoking. Cigarettes can instigate chronic coughing that can damage the muscles of the pelvic floor. Leading a healthier lifestyle, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and smoking, and performing Kegel exercises are a few at-home ways to treat incontinence in men.

However, the cause of overactive bladder in men is usually the prostate (such as enlarged prostate), or another health condition such as Parkinson’s disease. Unfortunately, men are less likely than women to speak to their doctor about incontinence, and oftentimes feel isolated and humiliated by their condition.

But there are treatments for incontinence in men. If urinary incontinence is affecting you, there is help. The Incontinence Institute offers surgical and non-surgical treatment options, based on an individualized approach to patient care.