Male urinary system: what causes male incontinence?

Rather than being linked to a specific pathology (prostate cancer, adenoma, etc.), urinary incontinence is above all the result of a malfunction of the urinary system. Understanding how the male urinary system works also helps us to understand the reasons for male urinary leakage and to find the right treatment.

Anatomy of the male urinary system

The male urinary system is composed of different organs, identical to those of the female:

  • The kidneys

Easily recognisable by their bean shape, the kidneys have several functions:

  1. They filter the blood and eliminate the waste products it carries (urea and creatinine);
  2. They secrete urine which allows the evacuation of these wastes;
  3. They regulate the amount of water and mineral salts (sodium, potassium) in the body.
  • The ureters

The ureters are two identical muscular ducts measuring about 30 cm that create the link between each kidney and the bladder. By contracting, they transport waste from one to the other. Their anti-reflux mechanism prevents any backflow to the kidneys.

  • The bladder

The bladder is a reservoir that stores urine until it is passed.

Its filling phase is controlled by urethral sphincters that open and close the bladder neck. It can hold up to 500 ml of fluid and continence is maintained by theaction of the urethral sphincter.

Once full, the detrusor comes into play. This powerful muscle enables the evacuation of urine during urination. This is the emptying phase.

  • The urethra

This organ, which extends into the penis in men and ends in the vulva in women, is the urinary tract through which urine is expelled to the outside.

  • The urethral meatus (urinary opening)

The meatus, also called a foramen, is a hole in a bone or organ. The urethral meatus is located at the end of the urethra, at the level of the glans penis in men. This urinary orifice allows the flow of urine.

Male urinary system: the mechanisms involved

The urge to urinate occurs naturally when the bladder fills up and reaches a certain level. In normal function, the sphincter and the perineum contract and allow for retaining urine.

Urinary incontinence is therefore manifested in a urinary system disorder. This is an involuntary and uncontrolled discharge due to a malfunction that causes urine to leak.

The causes can be multiple and result from a dysfunction that is most often "mechanical" due to a muscle weakness of the pelvic floor. This weakening is most often the result of prostate surgery or surgery in the abdomen.

Mechanisms that can prevent continence include the following:

  • Narrowing of the urethra,
  • Increase in the volume of the prostate.

In these cases, the organs can no longer perform their natural functions and therefore prevent the male urinary system from functioning normally.

The malfunction may also be due to other factors such as :

  • From infections cystitis or pyelonephritis,
  • A neurological diseasedisrupting the transmission of the nerve message and leading to a reduction of warning time,
  • Certain types of cancer, such as bladder cancer.

From medical examinations should be carried out with a urologist to determine the precise causes and the type of incontinence of the individual concerned. Following this, it will be possible to consider a treatment adapted.

A good health practicesthe prevention and theinformation also play a major role in screening.

Male incontinence: the different types of bladder weakness

Each case of male incontinence is different depending on the patient's situation.

Urinary leakage in men: what solutions?

Bladder weakness can be a real nuisance in everyday life. It is a barrier to social life, a burden on the mood, and a burden that requires appropriate behaviour and treatment.

Male incontinence: when the urinary tract doesn't work

Beyond a specific pathology (prostate cancer, adenoma, etc.) to which it is linked, urinary incontinence is above all the result of a dysfunction of the urinary system.

Do not neglect the role of the sphincter and perineum in men

The sphincter and perineum play an essential role in human urinary function.

Prostate diseases

The prostate is a gland located below the bladder and is responsible for the production of seminal fluid, which is the basis of semen, through the action of testosterone.

Incontinence: rehabilitation of the perineum in men

As a preventive measure or as part of a prescription, toning the perineum can be crucial to avoid or get rid of the risk of bladder weakness.

Uriclip® penis clip for male incontinence

Uriclip® is one of the penis clips recommended as a palliative solution in the event of male urinary leakage. Practical and discreet, it allows you to regain serenity in your daily activities.