Roles of the sphincter and perineum in men
The role of the sphincter and perineum in men is essential to the functioning of their urinary system. For both men and women, it's important to understand how they work and to take the necessary steps to preserve them and avoid any dysfunction.
Sphincter and perineum: how do they work?
The male urinary system functions mechanically in part. Each of its organs plays a crucial role.
Indeed, the bladder sphincter plays a retention role by providing a hermetic barrier between the bladder and the urethra. It is only released at the moment of urination to allow the evacuation of urine. It controls the effort and guarantees comfort.
The perineum is a muscle located between the pubic symphysis and the coccyx. In addition to its role in sexual function, it ensures that the sphincter functions properly by acting on the anus and urethra. It allows them to be opened or kept closed by contraction, depending on whether or not you want to urinate.
The role of the sphincter and perineum in men: why take care of them?
When the sphincter and perineum no longer function properly, urine is no longer retained in the bladder. This results in a incontinenceby his uncontrolled escape.
This incontinence, whether it is stress, urge or other pathologyThis increases the number of trips to the toilet in an emergency. Moreover, depending on its severity, it can turn into real handicap in everyday life. Its management also requires a real organisation of time and travel.
The management of bladder weakness often involves the use of palliative solutions. This allows them to go unnoticed and to continue their life (professional, social) as if nothing had happened. Nevertheless, this pathology, which is subject to many taboos, can also have serious consequences on morale. Indeed, thepsychological state of the patient should not be underestimated.
It is therefore an emergency situation that should not be neglected. It can be dealt with quickly by approaching a urologist.
Indeed, after an assessment and determination of the causes of this incontinence, the specialist will be able to determine the adequate treatment.
The treatments prescribed may be medicinal or surgical, depending on the situation. In addition, they are generally accompanied by preventive instructions to help you cope with or even reduce bladder weakness. These include:
- Improved health practices,
- The practice of an appropriate sporting activity,
- Adopting a healthy and balanced diet,
- Or the practice of perineal rehabilitation exercises.
Controlling your sphincter and perineum
Various solutions can be envisaged to regain control over urinary tract dysfunction. These are established according to the context and the clinical examination.
Artificial sphincter and penile clamps
Medicinal treatments involve chemical exchanges between molecules (anticholinergics, muscle relaxants). But there are also surgical solutions. Among the most widespread :
- Retro urethral strips;
- Latero-urethral balloons;
- The artificial sphincter.
With a cure rate A complete artificial sphincter is a medical device implanted in the body. It is used under anaesthesiaHowever, this surgical procedure requires a rather heavy medical protocol and post-operative follow-up. This is why this solution is more often proposed to treatsevere incontinence. In this case, the artificial sphincter replaces the failing natural sphincter, which can no longer perform its continence role effectively.
Similar solutions, but less invasives, are the penile clamps. These are placed externally, directly on the shaft and can be adjusted according to anatomy and comfort desired by the patient. They act like an artificial sphincter and do not require surgery. Finally, they have the advantage of providing a simple and effective solution.
Strengthen your muscles with perineal rehabilitation
Finally, nothing is more effective in regaining control than remusculating the weakened urinoperineal area. For this, the rehabilitation is appropriate. L'objective To reduce the involuntary discharge of urinary incontinence.
Rehabilitation consists of strengthening muscle exercises of the pelvic floor related to urination. In general, the physiotherapist also works on the patient's overall behaviour and on his or her health practices.
Stimulation of the muscles helps to restore sufficient tone and to take control smoothly on bladder weakness. Kegel exercises are among the best known and most effective.
Most often prescribed in the first instance In cases of incontinence, rehabilitation may also be recommended as a complement to other treatments. Conversely, when rehabilitation alone is not enough, other treatments can be considered to give the recovery a chance to succeed.
