In some cases, enlarged prostate (BPH) surgery and pelvic trauma can each lead to stress urinary incontinence by damage caused to the sphincter muscle.


Enlarged Prostate Surgery

Some degree of bladder leakage may occur after treatment of an enlarged prostate gland (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).7 The prostate gland sits just below the bladder and wraps around the urethra. As you age, your prostate gland may start to grow and may eventually squeeze or partially block urine flow. One common treatment for BPH is a TURP, the transurethral resection of the prostate, which removes a part of your prostate gland to make room for urine flow. While most men regain bladder control months after the TURP procedure, up to 3% of men find that they dribble, leak or can’t hold their urine.16

Pelvic Trauma

Pelvic trauma in men can be the result of a car accident, fall and/or straddle injuries (injuries to the area between the legs). When trauma impacts the urethra, the damage can lead to bladder leakage. This type of trauma can range in its severity and some injuries can require immediate or delayed urinary reconstruction. For more severe injuries, some men continue to have bladder control problems.17 Pelvic trauma can also damage the nerves that run alongside the urethra, which can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED).18

Did you know?

Approximately 50% of men who have urethral injuries from pelvic fractures will still have some degree of erectile dysfunction once they recover.19

Many patients find support from these organizations when dealing with bladder control issues. There may be a chapter in your area.