Male Incontinence Treatment: Catheters
If all other methods fail or are found unacceptable, you may consider controlling incontinence by using a catheter, a thin tube inserted through the urethra to drain the bladder. Catheters must be managed with great care, to avoid infection and stone formation.
- Clean intermittent catheterization: If you have problems emptying your bladder because of an enlarged prostate, or because of nerve damage, you may use a catheter at regular times, or as needed, to drain urine and prevent overflow incontinence. Depending on your situation, the catheterization may be done for you, or you may learn to do it yourself. You will need to learn about good sterile technique to avoid urinary tract infections.
- Condom catheter: Some men may prefer a drainage system that fits over the penis like a condom. You must take the same care to avoid infection as you do with other catheters. Condom catheters can also carry a risk of skin breakdown.
Male Incontinence Treatment: Urethral Injections
Another method to help keep the urethra closed is to inject a fat-like substance into the area that surrounds the opening of the bladder into the urethra. A variety of bulking agents are available for injection. Your doctor will discuss which one may be best for you. Collagen, for example, is a natural tissue from cows. After using local anesthesia or sedation, a doctor can inject the material in about half an hour. Over time, the body slowly eliminates the collagen, so you may need to have repeat injections. Before you receive a collagen injection, a doctor will perform a skin test to determine whether you could have an allergic reaction to the material.
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