Urinary Incontinence: Men vs. Women

urinary-incontinence-men-women-01Urinary incontinence is quite a common condition among people of all ages. Millions of people in the United States alone suffer from Urinary incontinence. These people differ in age, race, and of course gender. While it is definitely more likely for women to have urinary incontinence, men also suffer from this condition at an unprecedented rate, but for very different reasons.

While Urinary incontinence is a direct result of a prostate issue in men, women can have this condition for a number of different reasons. These reasons also make them a lot more susceptible to this disease regardless of their age.

Urinary Incontinence in Men

Urinary incontinence in men is especially common at an older age because of the rapid growth of the prostate. The prostate is a small organ between your penis and the bladder from where urine and sperm pass through to go out of the body. The prostate tends to get bigger as men get older, putting men at a much greater risk of a UI. Of course, age is not the only factor that determines UI. Prostate cancer, constipation, Urinary Tract infection and an enlarged prostate are all factors that contribute to Urinary incontinence.

Urinary Incontinence in Women

Unlike men, who have a single body part that is often responsible for Urinary Incontinence, women can have a number of reasons contributing to this condition. Some of the reasons why women have Urinary incontinence include menopause, pregnancy, and a urinary tract infection. Urinary Incontinence is especially common during Menopause and pregnancy, and is a major reason why women are more likely to have UI rather than men. They are also more susceptible to getting Urinary incontinence as they get older much like men.

Types of Urinary Incontinence

types-urinary-incontinence-men-womenThere are many different types of Urinary incontinence and almost none of them are gender specific. Some of the most famous types of UI are the stress and urge UI. Both of these are very common among both men and women and each is very different. The stress condition is when urine start to leak when the body is put under the slightest amount of stress. This means that exercising, laughing, sneezing, and even coughing can lead to people urinating. Urge is completely different where people will feel a sudden urge to urinate but will not be able to make it to the bathroom in time.

Other types include overflow and functional UI that are not as common, yet quite serious conditions. Overflow is when the bladder is never able to fully empty. This conditions results in urine leakage and the person has very little or no control over it . Functional incontinence is possibly the most dangerous as it is when you have the need to urinate and you feel it, but due to some other mental or physical ailment you are not able to go to the bathroom.

Conclusion

A Urinary incontinence is a very serious and often a very embarrassing issue that can often put you into a very uncomfortable spot. But as difficult as this condition may seem, there is nothing that a quick trip to a urologist can’t help. We have some of the most talented and dedicated urologists looking to help you with your conditions.

Visit our Fifth Avenue Urology website to learn more about our urologists and get help with your condition.

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