Male Incontinence: Tips and Advice for Managing Incontinence

It might seem reasonable to cut down on how much you drink to reduce and control urine leakage, but maintaining proper hydration is key. Don't be tempted to cut back on drinking water. You might think that staying away from fluids will lessen the leaks, but it will only lead to dehydration and the possibility of your urine becoming more concentrated. This concentration can irritate the bladder and increase the risk of infections, potentially increasing male urine leakage. Aim to drink water consistently throughout the day to keep your urine diluted and your bladder in good health. Remember, maintaining a balance is crucial—listen to your body and drink when you're thirsty, but don't overdo it. 

Certain substances can irritate the bladder and increase the urge to urinate, making male urine leakage more likely. Caffeine, often found in coffee and tea, can be a strong bladder stimulant which can irritate an overactive bladder. Similarly, alcohol acts as a diuretic, promoting increased urine production. Artificial sweeteners, often present in diet drinks and processed foods, can also be problematic and irritate the bladder. While you don’t need to totally eliminate these triggers from your diet, reducing them can help manage symptoms alongside other lifestyle changes. Consider getting advice from your doctor and experimenting with reducing these triggers to find a balance that works best for you.  

Managing urine leakage is much easier with the right support, and TENA Men offers a range of products specifically designed to meet the needs of men experiencing urine leakage. Our products provide reliable and discrete protection, ensuring comfort throughout the day. Our Active Fit pads offer a secure fit for protection on the go, while advanced moisture-wicking technology keeps skin dry and prevents irritation. We also offer washable incontinence boxers for men that look and feel like regular underwear while offering TENA protection and being machine washable. Our products are designed to be easy to use, helping you to maintain an active lifestyle with confidence. 

You probably already know that smoking is bad for your health, but there is one more health reason to quit smoking if you are experiencing male incontinence. Tobacco use can irritate the bladder, increasing urinary urgency and frequency. Additionally, the chronic coughing often associated with smoking can put added pressure on the bladder, which may lead to stress incontinence.  

Quitting smoking is no easy feat, so consider seeking advice and support from your GP to support your health goals. 

Stress is never pleasant, especially as it can make male urine leakage worse. Stress can significantly impact urinary health by exacerbating leakage and bladder sensitivity. By using relaxing techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga, mindfulness and meditation, you can become better at keeping control of your bladder.  

Strengthening pelvic floor muscles can be a powerful way to improve bladder control. Kegel exercises can be incredibly beneficial for men, not only helping to significantly improve bladder control but providing other health benefits also. One of these bonuses is improved sexual sensation, with some men even reporting improved sexual stamina and performance. 

You can learn about pelvic floor exercises for men in our dedicated article. Try to do several sets of these contractions’ multiple times a day. They are easy to do and discrete, meaning these exercises can be done anywhere at any time. In addition to Kegels, regular physical activity such as walking, swimming, or cycling can improve overall muscle tone and bladder function. Consistency in these exercises can lead to fewer leakage incidents, helping you maintain confidence and an active healthy lifestyle. 

When managing male incontinence, a combination of lifestyle adjustments and practical strategies can significantly enhance your quality of life. By staying informed, making mindful choices about hydration and diet, and incorporating stress-relieving and pelvic floor exercises, you can maintain better bladder control and confidence. Using appropriate incontinence products for men will also help keep you comfortable and protected from leaks while you work on improving bladder control. 

Remember, you are not alone—seeking support from healthcare professionals or connecting with others facing similar challenges can provide encouragement and reassurance. With the right approach, managing urine leakage is entirely possible, allowing you to enjoy life without unnecessary limitations.