Issue Date: February 22, 2009
Bladder control: Men vs. women
Different causes for the same distressing symptoms
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Blame weakened muscles or an aging prostate.
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Although bladder control problems affect women and men, the anatomical cause usually differs. Many women develop incontinence when muscles that support the bladder weaken. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises may improve the situation. Medications that relax the bladder may relieve the pressure a bit. Surgery to "shore up" the sagging muscles helps others.
For men, the problem is the prostate gland. As men age, it enlarges and presses on the bladder, "squeezing" the urethra and inhibiting the passage of urine. In these fellows, it's common to retain urine in the bladder even after urination. The residual urine can increase and stretch the bladder, and then pressure backs up to the kidneys, causing damage.
Symptoms of incontinence are similar for men and women, but treatments are not. In fact, the wrong treatment can worsen symptoms.
Sometimes, urinary incontinence signals a larger health problem. See your doctor for a proper medical history and a physical exam to help you control your bladder.
Tedd Mitchell, M.D., President and CEO of Dallas' Cooper Clinic, writes HealthSmart every week.
Want to know more about frequent urination causes? Click here.
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