Millions of men experience urinary incontinence – but most never talk about it.
It affects up to 1 in 4 men, yet many quietly manage it alone rather than seeking help. We want to help that change.
So, we’re opening up the conversation. Here, we’re discussing what causes male incontinence, what can be done about it, and which products can help you get on with your life.
What is incontinence?
Put simply, incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control.
According to the NHS, incontinence falls into different categories, including stress incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence (a combination of both stress and urge), and total incontinence (which is where you constantly pass large amounts of urine, even at night). You can find out more about the different types of incontinence here.
Incontinence is a medical condition that can affect quality of life, but it’s often misunderstood. There’s a common misconception that it only affects older people, which is not true – although it can become more common with age. Incontinence can truly affect anyone, whether due to surgery, an underlying health condition, or other factors.
In men specifically, common symptoms can include dribbling after going for a wee, involuntarily leaking when laughing or coughing, or simply not being able to make it to the bathroom in time.
How common is male incontinence?
Based on a study by Essity, 1 in 4 men experience bladder leakage. That’s a more common problem than people may realise.
However, data shows that up to 80% of people in the UK living with incontinence never seek medical advice, as embarrassment and stigma prevent open conversation around the condition.
While urinary incontinence is more common in women, often linked to childbirth or the menopause, it’s far from rare to see incontinence in men. Prostate issues, diabetes, and neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease can all be contributing factors.
What causes male urinary incontinence?
Common causes of male urinary incontinence include:
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Enlarged prostate
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Prostate surgery
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Overactive bladder
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Urinary retention
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Medication side effects
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Diabetes
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Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or MS
Symptoms can worsen over time – we’d always recommend speaking to your GP if leakage is new or has changed or worsened recently. If you’re experiencing pain or burning while urinating, blood in your urine, recurring UTIs, or difficulty fully emptying your bladder, you should also seek medical advice.
Why urinary incontinence becomes more common in older men
To be clear, age itself isn’t the cause of urinary incontinence. However, several things that tend to come with age can contribute to incontinence: an enlarged prostate, a weakened pelvic floor, reduced bladder capacity, the increased likelihood of other conditions like diabetes, or certain medications that you may take more frequently as you age.
Can male incontinence be cured?
Male incontinence is under-discussed. Too many men are putting up with something that can be treated, or at the very least, improved.
Incontinence can affect sleep, confidence, and quality of life, but it doesn’t have to. Knowing how common it is, knowing there are options out there, and knowing where to start makes a real difference.
Around 80% of urinary incontinence cases can be cured or significantly improved with the right treatment. Most doctors will start by recommending lifestyle and/or behavioural changes. If you don’t see an improvement, medications can help calm overactive bladders or increase bladder capacity. In some cases, other therapies or surgery may be an option. Your GP can discuss your specific situation with you and work to find the right approach, so be sure to discuss any issues with them.
Which products are available to help?
For men struggling with urinary incontinence, the best product depends on your personal situation – how much leakage there is, when it happens, and what’s causing it.
One point to consider is that a lot of people with incontinence start with products that are far bulkier than what they actually need, which can be uncomfortable. It’s better to start with a lower absorbency and work up until you find the right option for you.
Here are some other things to think about…
What kind of leakage are you experiencing?
Incontinence can vary from small drips after urinating (called ‘post-void dribbling’) to larger leaks or full bladder emptying. An overactive bladder can also cause a sudden, strong urge that is hard to hold off, making it difficult to get to a bathroom in time.
For smaller leaks or stress incontinence, a smaller pad or guard may be sufficient. Larger, unpredictable leaks, or full bladder emptying calls for higher absorbency products. You may also find you need different, more absorbent protection for overnight.
Mild leakage
Mild leakage is usually post-void dribbling or stress incontinence, which causes leaks when coughing, lifting, exercising, or standing up. Look for male guards or shields, lighter pads, or absorbent pants/washable underwear. These either replace or fit inside your regular underwear, providing discreet protection.
A good product to start with for mild leakage is TENA Men Discreet Incontinence Pads.
Moderate leakage
Urge incontinence means the need to go to the bathroom may come on suddenly. As a result, you may not be able to make it in time. Stress incontinence may also cause moderate leaks several times a day, calling for something with higher absorbency. Pull-up absorbent underwear or higher-absorbency pads are worth looking at – such as the Caretex Men’s Inco Boxers.
Heavy or overnight leakage
Even if daytime leakage is mild, urinary incontinence can worsen at night. Look for overnight-specific products, which are designed to stay secure while you sleep. The TENA Pants Maxi are among the most absorbent options available. For extra peace of mind, consider adding a bed protection pad such as the Abso Eco Bedpad.
Think about mobility
Sometimes the challenge isn’t just the leaking itself – it’s whether you’re able to get to the bathroom in time, which is naturally worsened when mobility issues are also present. If mobility is a factor, a male urinal bottle or a commode positioned close by can make a significant difference, especially at night.
Focus on fit
If you’re having trouble finding incontinence products that perform, pay attention to fit – leaks are usually caused by poorly fitting products rather than low absorbency. Look for products with front-focused absorbency and those designed specifically for male anatomy. Oversized products will be less effective, regardless of their absorbency rating, so getting the size right is a priority.
Don’t overlook skincare
If you’re experiencing urinary incontinence, the prolonged exposure to moisture can cause skin irritation. Barrier creams, incontinence wipes, and breathable underwear can all help. Changing pads regularly is also important to keep you feeling fresh and comfortable.
Tips: How to manage male incontinence
If you’re experiencing male incontinence, here are some practical tips that could help you stay more comfortable day-to-day.
Don’t avoid hydration
While drinking less seems like a logical solution for incontinence, it could actually make things worse. Not drinking enough can cause bladder irritation and worsen symptoms. What matters most is the type of drink you’re consuming: caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and some fruit juices can aggravate incontinence. If in doubt, it’s best to keep hydrated with water.
Work on pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises
Kegel exercises aren’t just for women. For men, the muscles to target are those you’d use to stop passing wind. Tense, hold for a few seconds, then release. Aim for ten repetitions, working up to several sets a day. Kegels are discreet, can be done anywhere, and there’s good evidence that they help with incontinence.
Know your triggers
Certain beverages, like alcohol and caffeinated drinks, can make incontinence worse, so it’s best to reduce your intake. If possible, cut them out altogether. Smoking can also be a trigger, as it irritates the bladder. If you smoke, consider quitting or at least reducing the amount you smoke.
Scope out the nearest toilets
One of the biggest stressors is needing the toilet urgently but not knowing where one is. There are multiple apps on iOS and Android that provide fast databases of nearby toilets, and they’re often community-driven, meaning they’re updated regularly.
The national RADAR scheme gives users access to locked public toilets in shopping centres, train stations, and other venues. The Bladder & Bowel UK charity also supplies free “Just Can’t Wait” cards, which are supported by many retailers and service organisations, to allow urgent toilet access.
We understand that for a lot of men, even getting to this point – acknowledging the problem, looking into products, and considering a conversation with a GP – isn’t easy. Incontinence still carries a stigma that it doesn’t deserve or is misunderstood, and that puts a lot of people off seeking help.
But the more it gets talked about, the easier it becomes. And the good news is that once you do start looking into it, there’s plenty that can help with incontinence, whether that’s lifestyle changes, a medical conversation, or simply finding the right products to allow you to get on with your day without stress.
If you’re not sure where to start with products, we’re here to help. Browse our full range of men’s incontinence products at Complete Care Shop and get in touch with any questions.