Types of Male Incontinence
- Stress incontinence, caused by weak pelvic and sphincter muscles
- Urge incontinence (overactive bladder), caused by damaged or irritable nerves
- Overflow incontinence, that results when an individual is unable to empty the bladder
- Temporary or reversible incontinence, related to conditions, such as:
For the urinary system to do its job, muscles and nerves must work together to hold urine in the bladder, and then release it at the right time. Babies are not born with the ability to control urination. As children grow, they learn to interpret nerve signals, and develop the muscle control required to stay dry.
In children between the ages of 5 and 10, some incontinence may result from limited bladder capacity, or delayed development of the nerve pathways that signal a full or emptying bladder. This form of incontinence fades away as the bladder grows and nerves become mature.
Other types of nerve problems, however, can cause urination problems that are more difficult to overcome. Prostate problems can also cause male incontinence
(see Causes of Male Incontinence).
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