What Causes Male Urinary Incontinence? Understanding Common Causes, Types, and Symptoms of Male Incontinence

Bladder leaks aren’t just a women’s issue—millions of men experience urinary incontinence, yet it’s often not talked about. If you've found yourself wondering, is it normal for a man to leak urine, or can male incontinence be corrected, know that you're not alone! If you’re struggling with unexpected leaks or an overactive bladder, understanding the causes of male urinary incontinence is the first step toward managing it effectively. With the right strategies, bladder control products, and support system, you can regain confidence and get back to living your life to the fullest!

Male incontinence is tied to the function of the urinary system (which includes the kidneys, renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and urethra) however, medical conditions and procedures involving the prostate, such as prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate, are also common causes. The urinary system is responsible for storing and eliminating urine. When any part of this system is disrupted, it can lead to bladder control problems, unwanted urine leakage, and several different types of urinary incontinence in men.

When bladder control problems arise, they can impact daily life, leading to frequent trips to the toilet and discomfort. Male urinary incontinence can range from occasional dribbling to complete loss of bladder control. It is important to identify what is causing you to leak urine so that you can more easily pursue the right urinary incontinence solutions.

Bladder control problems can vary from person to person. The following are the most common types of male bladder incontinence: stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, and functional incontinence.

Stress incontinence in men occurs when physical activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting put pressure on the bladder, causing urine leakage. This type of incontinence is often associated with a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles or damage to the sphincter muscles that control urination. In men, stress incontinence is commonly a result of prostate surgery, particularly after a prostatectomy, which can affect the muscles and nerves responsible for bladder control.

Urge incontinence is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate, often with little to no warning, leading to involuntary leakage. This condition is sometimes related to an overactive bladder (OAB), but they are not one in the same. Men with urge incontinence may feel a constant, overwhelming need to go to the bathroom, and they might not make it in time. Common causes include neurological conditions, bladder infections, or prostate problems that irritate the bladder.

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder does not empty completely, causing frequent dribbling or constant leakage. Men with this condition may feel like their bladder is never completely emptied, leading to a slow, dribbling stream of urine. Overflow incontinence is commonly seen in men with prostate enlargement, which can block the urethra and prevent the bladder from fully emptying. This type of incontinence may also occur when the bladder is unable to contract properly due to nerve damage or other underlying health conditions.

Functional incontinence happens when physical or cognitive impairments prevent an individual from reaching the toilet in time. This can include mobility issues such as arthritis, which may hinder one's ability to walk to the bathroom, or cognitive conditions like dementia, which can cause confusion about when to go. In men, functional incontinence is often linked to aging or specific health conditions that affect physical or mental abilities. The issue lies less in the bladder itself and more in the inability to manage the necessary steps to reach a bathroom.

Just as there are several different types of male urinary incontinence, there are multiple common causes that may be the reason you’re experiencing leaks. While this differs between men and women, the most common causes of male urinary incontinence are issues related to the prostate, neurological conditions, lifestyle and behavioral factors, and medical conditions or medications.

Let’s dive more deeply into each of these urinary incontinence causes.

The prostate gland plays a big role in the male urinary system, and changes to it can impact bladder control:

• Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, BPH) – As men age, the prostate gland often grows larger, pressing against the urethra and making urination difficult. This can lead to frequent urges or trouble fully emptying the bladder.
• Prostate Surgery – Surgeries like a prostatectomy (for prostate cancer or BPH) can weaken the muscles that help control urine flow, sometimes leading to urine leakage.
• Prostatitis – Inflammation of the prostate can cause discomfort and urgency, leading to temporary incontinence.

The bladder relies on signals from the brain and nervous system to function and urinate properly. Certain conditions can interfere with these signals, leading to urinary incontinence:

• Stroke – Can affect the muscles that control urination.
• Parkinson’s Disease & Multiple Sclerosis – These conditions disrupt nerve function, making bladder control unpredictable and can lead to different types of urinary incontinence including overflow incontinence and functional incontinence.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Damage to the spinal cord can impair bladder sensation and control of the bladder muscles.

Certain habits and lifestyle choices can contribute to weaker pelvic floor muscles and bladder leakage:

• Alcohol & Caffeine – These are diuretics, meaning they increase urine production and can make urge incontinence worse.
• Smoking – Chronic coughing from smoking can strain pelvic muscles, leading to stress incontinence.

Diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels which can damage nerves that control the bladder and bladder muscles.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can cause irritation and sudden urges to urinate.

Some medications, like diuretics (used for high blood pressure), increase urine output, while others, like sedatives, may relax bladder muscles too much.

Managing male incontinence can feel like an overwhelming challenge, but with the right strategies, it is possible to take control and improve quality of life. A combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and specialized products can make a significant difference in managing bladder control. By understanding the various options available, men can find incontinence solutions tailored to their needs. 

Managing bladder leakage is easier with high quality products. Because Market offers discreet, comfortable solutions designed specifically for men:

Protective Underwear – Whether you’re looking for bulk-free, daytime coverage or ultimate leak-proof protection for nighttime male incontinence, we have a premium array of high-quality underwear to fit your needs. Take our quiz to find the right products and fit for you.

Bed & Furniture Protectors – Add an additional waterproof layer to help protect your furniture and keep bedding dry at night

In addition to the right products, lifestyle changes can help alleviate urine leaks.

• Pelvic Floor Exercises – Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles that control urination.
• Bladder Training – Scheduled bathroom visits and delayed urination can help retrain the bladder.
• Dietary Adjustments – Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods may reduce urgency and leaks.
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight – Losing excess weight can relieve pressure on the bladder, leading to reduced urine leakage.

Finally, if more support is needed, your doctor may recommend medical treatments to help alleviate your incontinence.

• Medications – Some medications help relax the bladder or improve its ability to hold urine. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing male incontinence.
• Surgical Procedures – In cases where other treatments don’t work, options like urethral slings or artificial urinary sphincters may help.

Occasional leaks may not be a cause for alarm, but frequent incontinence can affect your quality of life. If you experience:

• Sudden, severe changes in bladder control
• An increased urge to urinate
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in urine
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• An increasing need to rush to the toilet to avoid leaks

It’s time to talk to a healthcare provider to address your symptoms and find the best treatment options for you.

Bladder control problems and urinary leakage can be frustrating, embarrassing, and isolating—but they don’t have to be. You’re not alone, and there are resources and communities available to help. If incontinence is affecting your confidence or daily life, reaching out for support can make a huge difference. At Because, we manage incontinence support groups for men —we invite you to join and get the support you deserve!

Additionally, adopting practical strategies like keeping an extra change of clothes or planning ahead for restroom availability can help you feel more in control. Speaking openly with a healthcare provider can also lead to better treatment outcomes, improving both physical and emotional well-being.

Male incontinence, from urge incontinence to stress incontinence, is common and treatable. Understanding the causes—whether related to an enlarged prostate or your urethra health, neurological conditions, or lifestyle factors—can help you take control of your bladder health. With the right management strategies and products from Because, you can continue to live confidently and comfortably.

National Institute on Aging. (2022, Jan. 24). Urinary incontinence in older adults. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/bladder-health-and-incontinence/urinary-incontinence-older-adults

Mayo Clinic. (2023, Feb. 9.). Urinary incontinence. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20352808