BREAKING THE STIGMA
In the field of men's health, continence issues continue to be a prevailing but often overlooked concern. By Jacquie Lee, Medication Safety Officer & Information Pharmacist at Numark Pharmacy
U
rinary incontinence can cause distress to those affected and can lead to significant emotional changes that impact their
general quality of life. Stigma associated with incontinence can lead to embarrassment, anxiety, and depression and individuals may feel a loss of control and a sense of social isolation.
Community pharmacies can be a first point of contact in providing advice and education on how best to approach and manage any issues, both physical and emotional. There is a significant role they can play by supporting men struggling with incontinence, from understanding root causes, fostering discreet conversations, recommending products and treatments, to referring to specialists.
Understanding continence issues in men Most commonly, male bladder problems are caused by prostate issues, neurological disorders and nerve damage.
As men get older, incontinence becomes more common as age-related factors such as muscle weakness can lead to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, which play a crucial role in maintaining urinary control and the bladder may lose some of its elasticity with age, leading to a reduced ability to hold urine. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlargement of the prostate, that obstructs the urethra and leads to urinary symptoms, including urgency and difficulty in controlling urine flow, is a common occurrence as men age. It is also important for pharmacies to know and look out for symptoms which could indicate prostate cancer.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to urgency and incontinence, while Neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or spinal cord injury can disrupt the normal functioning of the bladder and result in incontinence. Medicines for non- related issues, such as diuretics, sedatives, or alpha-blockers, may affect bladder control as a side effect.
When it comes to lifestyle, smoking has been associated with an increased risk of urinary incontinence along with obesity and excess weight which can put pressure on the bladder and pelvic muscles. Certain foods and beverages, such as caffeine and alcohol, can irritate the bladder and worsen incontinence symptoms.
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