MALE URINARY INCONTINENCE

Abstract

Male urinary incontinence is a common condition that tends to increase with age and can significantly impact the quality of life. Beyond the clinical diagnosis made through patient history and examination, healthcare practitioners must strive to identify the underlying mechanism(s) and assess the degree of discomfort to initiate appropriate treatment. Two main types of urinary incontinence are distinguished: stress urinary incontinence, which can often benefit from pelvic floor muscle training, and urgency urinary incontinence, which typically responds to drug therapies (such as anticholinergics or β3-adrenergic agonists) and posterior tibial nerve stimulation as first-line options. Moreover, a certain number of red flags must be systematically sought to avoid missing, among other things, a urinary retention or an underlying local condition, and to identify as early as possible men requiring specialized urological care. It is also crucial for the general practitioner to discuss with the patient the various palliative approaches when necessary, such as the use of protective pads, penile sheaths, or a clamp, to improve the patient’s comfort and quality of life.