Absorbent products
Incontinence pads are commonly used to help absorb urine leakage, protect the skin and block odor. Other absorbent products include diapers and undergarments. These products can offer odor control; some are disposed after a single use, and others may be cleaned and reused.
Pros:
Appropriate for everyday activities, comfortable when dry, good for overnight and easy to use.1
Cons:
May need to be changed several times a day, can be bulky and leak, may be uncomfortable when wet, and involve cost.1
External collection devices
Condom catheters (or a penis pouch) are placed on the penis so urine can flow into a drainage bag. Urine collection bags are strapped to the body underneath clothing during the day and may rest bedside at night.
Pros:
A discrete option for long periods of time, keeps skin dry, can help avoid odor and convenient for storage and travel.1
Cons:
May not remain in place resulting in leaks, possible allergic reaction based on materials, long-term use may result in urinary tract infections, skin injuries and/or inflammation.1,2
Penile clamp
A penile clamp uses a hinged, rigid frame that supports two pads and a locking mechanism. It controls leakage by applying constant pressure upon the penis.
Pros:
Secure, can stop leaking, simple to remove, can be washed and reused.1
Cons:
Has to be moved up or down the shaft of the penis every 2 hours (can only be worn for short periods of time), must be removed while sleeping and during urination; most men describe it as uncomfortable or painful.1
Male slings
A small sling made of soft mesh implanted inside the body to reposition the urethra and provide support to surrounding muscles. This can help to keep the urethra closed, especially when coughing, sneezing and lifting.
Pros:
Works without requiring action on the patient’s part, may result in immediate continence for some men, most patients (83% in one study) were classified as cured or improved.3
Cons:
Some risks include, but are not limited to, inability to urinate (urinary retention), return to incontinence, infection, erosion, and pain.4
Artificial sphincter
The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is placed inside the body. A saline-filled cuff keeps the urethra closed and a pump in the scrotum allows urination on demand. The AUS is designed for all levels of SUI following prostate surgery and is considered a gold standard treatment.5
Pros:
Mimics the function of a normal, healthy urinary sphincter;6 90% of patients reported satisfaction with their AUS (in one study).7
Cons:
Requires manual dexterity; some risks include, but are not limited to, device malfunction or failure which may require additional surgery, wearing away/loss of tissue (device/tissue erosion), inability to urinate (urinary retention), infection and pain/soreness.8 94% of patients would recommend AUS placement to a friend or family member.9
Taking the next step
If you’re interested in taking control of your bladder, there is good news — most cases of stress urinary incontinence can be cured or improved.10
Talk with a urologist who specializes in male incontinence. Ask questions about medications and procedures, talk about your symptoms, and ask about the best treatment option for you. We have several resources that can help you take the next step.
Call us at 1-952-243-2163 and request more information from a patient educator
Sign up to receive information about treatment options via email
Attend a free educational event or webinar hosted by a physician who specializes in treating male incontinence
References:
- Macaulay M, Broadbridge J, Gage H, et al. A trial of devices for urinary incontinence after treatment for prostate cancer. BJU Int. 2015 Sep;116(3):432-42.
- Warren, JW. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 1997 Sep;11(3):609-22.
- Mumm JN, Klehr B, Radler S, et al. Five-year results of a prospective multicenter trial: Advance XP for postprostatectomy-incontinence in patients with favorable prognostic factors. Ural Int. 2021 Jan 29:1-7.
- AdVance™ XP Male Sling System Instructions for Use. Boston Scientific Corporation. 2018.
- Montague DK. Artificial urinary sphincter: long-term results and patient satisfaction. Adv Urol. 2012;2012:835290.
- AMS 800™ Urinary Control System Operating Room Manual. Boston Scientific Corporation. 2018.
- Litwiller SE, Kim KB, Fone PD, et al. Post-prostatectomy incontinence and the artificial urinary sphincter: a long-term study of patient satisfaction and criteria for success. J Urol. 1996 Dec;156(6):1975-80.
- AMS 800™ Artificial Urinary Sphincter Directions for Use. Boston Scientific. 2019.
- Linder BJ, Rivera ME, Ziegelmann MJ, et al. Long-term outcomes following artificial urinary sphincter placement: an analysis of 1082 cases at Mayo clinic. Urology. 2015 Sep;86(3):602-7.
- Van der Aa F, Drake MJ, Kasyan GR, et al. The artificial urinary sphincter after a quarter of a century: a critical systematic review of its use in male non-neurogenic incontinence. Eur Urol. 2013 Apr;63(4):681-9.
Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.