Male Stress Urinary Incontinence

Male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) happens when urine leaks during activities that put pressure on your bladder. Leakage occurs when the urinary sphincter and the supporting pelvic floor muscles fail to engage. This prevents the urethra from staying sealed during moments of pressure, such as:

• Coughing
• Laughing
• Lifting objects
• Exercising
• Getting up from a chair

It’s most common after prostate surgery, where the sphincter may be weaker and the pelvic floor deconditioned. Other contributors can include:

• Prior pelvic radiation
• Scar tissue
• Nerve injury
• Chronic straining

Carolina Urology Partners offers treatment for male stress urinary incontinence in the greater Charlotte area and West Columbia, SC.

Stress urinary incontinence symptoms can range from mild leakage to more noticeable urine loss during daily activities. You might experience:

• Little to no warning or urge before leakage
• Drops to spurts of urine when coughing or sneezing
• Leaks when you change positions, lift things, or during exercise
• The need for pads or frequent underwear changes to stay dry

During your urology visit, your doctor will focus on your symptom history and perform a physical exam. They may also recommend diagnostics, including:

• A cough test to confirm SUI by checking for urine leakage during a forceful cough or strain
• A urinalysis to rule out infection or blood in the urine
• An ultrasound scan to see how well you empty
• Cystoscopy to perform a brief camera exam of the urethra and bladder
• Urodynamics in select cases to measure sphincter and bladder function

These early steps are a good starting point for reducing urinary leakage and supporting long-term bladder health.

Pelvic floor physical therapy

A therapist teaches targeted pelvic floor contractions and core coordination. When performing these exercises, called Kegels, technique matters. Over-tightening or bearing down can worsen leakage. Many men start to notice improvement within weeks with consistent practice.

Daily habits that help

• Space fluids sensibly, and taper 2 to 3 hours before bed
• Avoid overhydration
• Limit bladder irritants, such as large amounts of caffeine, energy drinks, and alcohol
• Treat constipation to reduce straining
• Manage weight and build core strength to lower pelvic pressure

Supportive products and devices

• Modern pads and guards designed for men are discreet and effective for managing leakage
• A continence clamp can help control leakage during specific activities. It should be properly fitted and used only for short periods, with regular skin checks and breaks as directed.

If leakage continues despite these steps, some procedures can make a lasting difference. A sling or artificial sphincter may help you regain control, and your urologist can guide you on the best option for your specific situation.

Male urethral sling

The sling is a soft strip of mesh or synthetic material placed under the urethra to provide gentle support. Lifting the urethra helps the sphincter close more effectively during activities that increase pressure.

The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis or with a short hospital stay. Most men return to light activities within 1 to 2 weeks. There’s no device to operate, and the improvement in control feels natural.

Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS)

The artificial urinary sphincter is the leading treatment for men with moderate to severe SUI. It’s a proven solution that can restore control when other treatments haven’t provided enough relief.

The device uses a fluid-filled cuff that gently encircles the urethra. It’s controlled with a small pump placed discreetly in the scrotum. When it’s time to urinate, you simply press the pump to release the cuff and let urine pass. The cuff automatically refills afterward to maintain urinary continence.

Most men find the AUS highly effective and report significant improvement in quality of life. It offers lasting freedom from constant leakage and the return of a more active, worry-free lifestyle.

Episode 1: Reclaiming Control: Randy’s Life After Prostate Cancer & Incontinence

Randy didn’t want anyone to know he was dealing with incontinence but struggled to find a treatment that would fit his active lifestyle. When his incontinence got worse, he met with a prosthetic urologist and was able to find that treatment, which he says is “such a blessing”.

Episode 2: A Team Effort: Bob & Janet’s Triumph Over Incontinence

“His incontinence was part of our lives, it’s something that the two of you suffer through together.” Bob and Janet share how they managed his incontinence journey, how “fortuitous random chance” led them to a urologist who provided a long-term treatment option, and how he now feels the freedom to engage in activities he enjoys.

Episode 3: Restoring Continence: Roberto’s Journey to a Normal Life

For Roberto, incontinence felt like a loss of dignity and control – all he wanted was a normal life. His urologist, Dr. Babbar, was able to help him find a treatment that allowed Roberto to address his incontinence, enjoy his favorite hobbies, and attend to the other conditions in his life.

Episode 4: Push Pride Aside: Otis’s Incontinence Victory

Otis, a retired Army veteran, shares how he overcame the mental & physical toll of incontinence by talking to Dr. Kaufman about what he was experiencing and what his treatment options were.

Episode 5: Dry Again: Larry’s Journey to a New Beginning

“I never thought I’d be wearing [diapers] at such a young age”. Larry & Cindy describe how incontinence controlled their lives for four years before finding a treatment that fit their lifestyle through Dr. Brady.

Episode 6: A Farmer’s Fight: How Jerry Conquered Incontinence to Keep Working

Jerry’s love for farming and hard work was disrupted by incontinence, making daily life a struggle. He and his wife Carol describe the moment they knew his quality of life was going to change for the better.

1. Will my stress incontinence go away on its own?

Many men improve within the first 6 to 12 months after prostate surgery. However, if leakage remains bothersome beyond that, or is more severe from the start, procedures such as a sling or artificial urinary sphincter can offer lasting control.

2. What is the difference between stress and urge incontinence?

Stress leakage is mechanical and happens with pressure spikes, like coughs or lifting. Urge leakage comes from bladder overactivity and is tied to a sudden feeling of urgency.

All of our providers treat Male Stress Urinary Incontinence.