General Urology
Male Urinary Incontinence
Effective solutions for male urinary leakage — from conservative management and pelvic floor rehabilitation to the gold-standard artificial urinary sphincter.
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Male Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence — the involuntary loss of urine — affects millions of men and significantly impacts quality of life, activity levels, and emotional well-being. While it is often assumed to be a condition primarily affecting women, men frequently experience incontinence, particularly after prostate surgery or radiation.
The good news: effective treatments exist at every level of severity. Dr. Chu evaluates the type and degree of incontinence and creates a personalized treatment plan — from conservative measures to definitive surgical solutions like the artificial urinary sphincter.
Regain Confidence and Control
Types
Types of Male Incontinence
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
Leakage triggered by physical activity — coughing, sneezing, lifting, or exercise. Most commonly occurs after prostate surgery (radical prostatectomy).
Urge Incontinence
A sudden, strong urge to urinate that is difficult to defer, leading to leakage before reaching the bathroom. Often related to overactive bladder.
Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence
Incontinence following radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer is the most common form of significant male SUI. Severity ranges from mild to complete loss of control.
Overflow Incontinence
Continuous or frequent dribbling due to the bladder not emptying fully — often from obstruction or impaired bladder contractility.
Treatment
Treatment Options
Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles is the first-line treatment after prostate surgery. Many men achieve significant improvement with a structured pelvic floor rehabilitation program.
Behavioral & Lifestyle Modifications
Bladder training, fluid management, and avoiding bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol) can reduce urgency and leakage episodes in many men.
Medications
For urge incontinence and overactive bladder, anticholinergic or beta-3 agonist medications can significantly reduce urgency and frequency.
Male Urethral Sling
A minimally invasive outpatient procedure for mild to moderate stress incontinence. A synthetic mesh tape is placed under the urethra to provide passive support and reduce leakage during activity.
Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS)
The gold-standard surgical treatment for moderate to severe male stress urinary incontinence, particularly post-prostatectomy. An implantable device mimics the natural sphincter to provide reliable continence with patient-controlled voiding.
The Gold Standard
The Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS)
The AMS 800 artificial urinary sphincter is the most effective long-term treatment for moderate to severe male stress urinary incontinence. The device has three components: a fluid-filled cuff that encircles the urethra, a pressure-regulating balloon reservoir implanted in the abdomen, and a small pump placed in the scrotum.
At rest, the cuff maintains gentle pressure on the urethra to prevent leakage. When you are ready to urinate, squeezing the scrotal pump transfers fluid from the cuff to the balloon, opening the urethra for 60–90 seconds. The cuff then automatically refills, restoring continence.
Success Rate
~75% achieve social continence (0–1 pads/day)
Durability
Most devices function well for 10+ years
Recovery
Device activated 4–6 weeks after implantation
Process
What to Expect
Consultation & Evaluation
A thorough assessment of your incontinence type, severity, and history — including prior prostate treatment — to determine the optimal approach.
Urodynamic Testing
Bladder function tests may be performed to characterize the type of incontinence and guide treatment selection.
Surgical Implantation
AUS or sling placement is performed as an outpatient or short-stay procedure under general or spinal anesthesia.
Activation & Follow-Up
The AUS is left deactivated for 4–6 weeks to allow healing, then activated in office. Follow-up visits confirm proper function and continence.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after prostatectomy should I wait before seeking treatment?
Most men experience some degree of incontinence immediately after catheter removal following prostatectomy. Pelvic floor exercises and time allow for significant natural recovery, usually over 6–12 months. Surgical treatment is generally considered after 12 months if significant leakage persists.
What is the artificial urinary sphincter?
The AUS (AMS 800) is the gold-standard surgical treatment for moderate to severe male stress urinary incontinence. It consists of three components — a cuff placed around the urethra, a pressure-regulating balloon, and a pump in the scrotum — that work together to mimic the natural sphincter mechanism.
How does the AUS work?
At rest, the cuff gently compresses the urethra to maintain continence. When you are ready to urinate, you squeeze the scrotal pump to transfer fluid from the cuff to the balloon, opening the urethra for 60–90 seconds. The cuff then automatically refills.
What are the success rates for the AUS?
The AUS achieves social continence (0–1 pads per day) in approximately 70–80% of men. It is the most durable and effective treatment available for moderate to severe post-prostatectomy incontinence.
Is the male sling an option?
The male urethral sling is appropriate for men with mild to moderate stress incontinence. It repositions the urethra to improve passive resistance. It is a simpler procedure than the AUS but is less effective for severe incontinence.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Yes — surgical treatment for urinary incontinence, including AUS placement, is generally covered by insurance and Medicare. Our team will verify your benefits prior to your procedure.
Why Us
Why Choose Dr. Kevin Chu?
- Board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist with experience in surgical treatment of male incontinence
- Expertise in AUS implantation and male sling procedures
- Privacy is a priority — discreet office ensures a comfortable experience
- Free parking and easy scheduling at our Redondo Beach location
