Urinary Incontinence in Men: What Should You Know?
Urinary incontinence is often thought of as a “women’s issue,” but the reality is that thousands of men experience bladder leakage every year, and many suffer in silence. Whether it develops after prostate surgery, gradually with age, or due to changes in pelvic health, urinary incontinence can affect confidence, daily activities, and overall quality of life.
The good news? Physiotherapy offers highly effective, evidence-based treatment, and many men see major improvements with the right guidance.
What Is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence simply means involuntary leakage of urine. It can range from small dribbles to larger, unexpected leaks. There are several types men may experience:
1. Stress Incontinence
Leakage when pressure increases, such as coughing, lifting, laughing, or exercising. Common after prostate surgery due to pelvic floor changes.
2. Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder)
A strong, sudden urge to urinate followed by leakage. Often linked to bladder irritation, neurological changes, or pelvic floor dysfunction.
3. Mixed Incontinence
A combination of stress and urge symptoms.
4. Post-Micturition Dribble
Dribbling after finishing urination, often due to weak pelvic floor or poor coordination.
Why Does Incontinence Happen in Men?
There are several possible causes, and sometimes more than one is involved:
Prostate surgery (most common) – changes to bladder neck support and pelvic floor muscles
Pelvic floor weakness
Pelvic floor over-tightness or poor coordination
Age-related changes
Bladder irritation (caffeine, alcohol, certain medications)
Chronic coughing or constipation
Neurological conditions
High-impact or heavy-lifting sports
A physiotherapy assessment can identify which factors are contributing to your symptoms and guide the best treatment.
How Physiotherapy Helps Men With Incontinence
1.Pelvic Floor Training (Not Just “Squeezes”)
Most men think pelvic floor exercises are simple, but many do them incorrectly. A pelvic health physiotherapist will teach you:
How to find the right muscles
How to contract and relax them properly
How to build strength, endurance, and coordination
How to integrate pelvic floor control into daily activities
Correct pelvic floor training is strongly linked to improved bladder control, especially after prostate surgery.
2. Bladder Retraining & Urge Control Strategies
If urgency or frequency are a problem, physiotherapy can help retrain the bladder, teaching you techniques to:
Reduce sudden urges
Increase bladder capacity
Avoid running to the toilet “just in case”
Break the cycle of urgency and leakage
Small daily changes can make a big difference.
3. Lifestyle & Behavioural Advice
A physiotherapist can help identify factors that may be worsening symptoms, such as:
Fluid intake (too much or too little)
Bladder irritants (coffee, energy drinks, alcohol)
Constipation
Heavy lifting techniques
Cough management
Sleep habits
Tailored advice makes your rehab more effective.
4. Exercise Programmes for Strength & Confidence
Weakness in the hips, lower back, and core can contribute to poor pelvic support. Physiotherapy may include:
Core strengthening
Hip stability work
Postural training
Gradual return to gym or sport
Strong foundations support better bladder control.
When Should Men Seek Help?
If you are experiencing leakage, no matter how small or how long it has been happening, it’s worth getting a pelvic health assessment. You should especially seek support if:
Leakage started after prostate surgery
You’re avoiding exercise because of symptoms
You’re getting up multiple times at night
Urges feel sudden, strong, or hard to control
You rely on pads or plan your day around toilets
Leakage is affecting your confidence or intimacy
Early treatment usually leads to faster improvement, but it’s never too late to start physiotherapy.
Final Thoughts
Urinary incontinence in men is common, treatable, and nothing to be embarrassed about. With the right education, pelvic floor training, and lifestyle adjustments, most men see significant improvement, often within weeks.
Physiotherapy provides a safe, supportive space to understand your symptoms and regain control over your bladder and your life.
Men’s Health Clinic
Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic we have years of experience in helping men through a range of different health issues.