Bladder weakness in men: Causes, treatment, and tips
MyPelvi tells you everything you should know about bladder weakness in men & how you can regain control of your bladder.
Katharina Heilen · 9 November 2024
Bladder weakness only affects women? Wrong! Men can also be affected by bladder weakness. Perhaps you have noticed yourself leaking urine involuntarily or needing to go to the toilet several times at night? We know how uncomfortable this can be and that you may not like talking about it with others. But do not worry! MyPelvi tells you everything you need to know about bladder weakness in men and how you can regain control of your bladder.
What is the difference between bladder weakness and urinary incontinence?
Bladder weakness and urinary incontinence are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the terms.
Bladder weakness describes general issues with bladder control. The term refers to difficulties holding urine, emptying the bladder, or experiencing frequent urges to urinate.
Urinary incontinence is a specific medical term and refers to the involuntary loss of urine. It is a form of bladder weakness where you lose control over urinary flow and urinate unintentionally. Urinary incontinence thus represents a concrete manifestation of bladder weakness and describes an inability to hold urine.
What causes bladder weakness in men?
Bladder weakness in men can arise from various causes often linked to age, health issues, or lifestyle. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Weakened pelvic floor muscles
One of the most common causes of bladder weakness in men is weakened pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic muscles can lose strength due to a lack of exercise or age-related muscle loss. As a result, the bladder and urethra are no longer optimally supported and you leak urine involuntarily [1]. Have you ever felt that urine simply leaks out, mainly when you sneeze, cough or laugh? Then you probably have a weak pelvic floor. But do not worry, a weakened pelvic floor can be addressed. The simplest and most effective solution: MyPelvi pelvic floor training. The innovative magnetic wave technology reaches even the deepest muscle layers. Your muscles are stimulated and strengthened with up to 25.000 contractions, without requiring any effort from you. Simply take a seat and lean back for 22 minutes. Curious?
2. Dysfunctional pelvic floor muscles
One-sided strain or poor posture can lead to tense pelvic floor muscles and an overactive bladder. They are under constant tension and have difficulty releasing. The myofascial tissue should be loosened here so that it can be engaged functionally again. Improved blood flow can also be achieved with MyPelvi pelvic floor training. Special programmes promote tissue relaxation and blood flow.
3. Enlarged prostate
Have you noticed that your urine stream has become weaker or that you need to go to the toilet frequently, especially at night? Both can be caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH). The reason: The enlarged prostate can press on the urethra and thereby block the flow of urine. Frequent trips to the toilet are also an indication of an enlarged prostate. But how many trips to the toilet per night are considered normal? This depends on your fluid intake, although 2–3 trips to the toilet per night are still considered “normal”. MyPelvi recommendation: Be sure to have your prostate examined annually from the age of 45 (from the age of 40 if there is a family history of pre-existing conditions). If you have a weak urine stream and make more than 2–3 trips to the toilet per night, you should seek medical advice immediately. Early diagnosis can significantly reduce the risk of persistent incontinence:
4. Prostate surgery
Men who have undergone prostate surgery, particularly to remove prostate cancer, often experience temporary or permanent bladder weakness. The nerves and muscles that control the bladder can be affected by the procedure [1]. Although the operations themselves are now performed using relatively nerve-sparing techniques, subsequent pelvic floor weakness can also be a cause of bladder weakness. Due to the long recovery period, the pelvic floor muscles can only be rebuilt slowly.
5. Neurological conditions
Conditions affecting the nervous system, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis or strokes, can disrupt the signals between the brain and bladder. This can mean that the bladder can no longer be controlled properly, which in turn leads to bladder weakness or uncontrolled urine loss.
6. Bladder infections
A bladder or urinary tract infection can also cause temporary bladder weakness. Infections irritate the bladder and cause frequent urges to urinate or the feeling of not being able to fully empty the bladder — a bladder infection is one example.
7. Being overweight
Excess weight increases pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor. This additional pressure can place strain on the muscles around the bladder and cause the muscles to become weaker. This may result in bladder weakness and incontinence.
8. Lifestyle factors
Lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and an unhealthy diet may increase the risk of bladder weakness. These factors can irritate the bladder or affect general health, which in turn may lead to problems with bladder control.
9. Hormonal changes
As men age, testosterone levels may decline, which can also indirectly affect bladder health. Hormonal balance has an impact on the muscles and tissue in the pelvic area.
Overall, it is clear that bladder weakness in men can have a wide variety of causes, often in combination. It is important to speak openly about your symptoms with professionals in order to determine the exact cause and receive the right treatment.
How does bladder weakness go away again?
If bladder weakness is caused, for example, by weak pelvic floor muscles, targeted pelvic floor training can be very effective. MyPelvi pelvic floor training can be used to address urinary incontinence in a targeted way:
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If the underlying cause is an enlarged prostate, medication or surgery combined with pelvic floor training can help alleviate the symptoms. Seek several medical opinions about this and have an annual examination from the age of 45.
After prostate surgery or other surgical procedures, treatment options are also available to help you regain bladder control. People often begin with gentle exercises in bed and later continue with a pelvic floor trainer such as the MyPelvi chair.
Bladder weakness caused by an infection such as cystitis may resolve on its own in mild cases. In most cases, however, medication is advisable.
Important
You do not simply have to accept bladder weakness; you can seek medical advice at an early stage to find the appropriate treatment. Only 46 % of those affected seek medical advice, even though many men report a considerable improvement in their quality of life after receiving the right treatment [2].
Because of this reluctance, men are repeatedly misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed or inadequately treated and cared for. Bladder problems may simply not seem “masculine” to you, but your bladder is part of your body just like any other organ [3]. Bladder weakness is nothing to be ashamed of!
What helps men with urinary urgency?
There are various strategies for reducing excessive urinary urgency in men, including both medication-based and non-medication approaches. Here are some effective measures to regain full control over your urinary urgency and enjoy a better quality of life:
Pelvic floor training
You can do pelvic floor exercises at home (also known as Kegel exercises) and support your bladder and urethra by strengthening the muscles. Even more effective is MyPelvi's pelvic floor training, which requires no effort at all yet delivers the best results:
Bladder training
The goal of bladder training is to achieve a healthy bladder capacity and reduce the urge to frequently go to the toilet. Bladder training isn’t always the optimal solution, such as when the underlying problem is an enlarged prostate. However, if you are currently increasing your fluid intake, bladder training can make a significant difference. Bladder training involves gradually getting your bladder used to holding larger amounts of urine, thereby reducing the urge to urinate frequently. You achieve this by gradually extending the intervals between trips to the toilet.
Fluid management
Make sure to drink regularly throughout the day, and pay attention to what you drink. Caffeinated and alcoholic drinks can irritate your bladder and make the urge to urinate even stronger. Still water and herbal teas are the better choice — they're gentle on the bladder while still keeping your body well hydrated.
Adjust your diet
Certain foods can irritate the bladder and increase urinary urgency. These include spicy foods, citrus fruits, artificial sweeteners, tomatoes, and chocolate products. Try reducing these foods for a while and observe if you notice any improvement in your bladder weakness.
Weight reduction
Excess weight can place additional pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor, which may increase urinary urgency. Even moderate weight loss can help reduce this pressure and improve bladder function.
Treatment with medication
Medication may be prescribed for very severe symptoms of bladder weakness. Which medications help men with bladder weakness? There are various medications developed specifically for overactive bladders. These include, for example, anticholinergics such as oxybutynin (Ditropan) or tolterodine (Detrusitol), beta-3 adrenoceptor agonists such as mirabegron (Betmiga), desmopressin or even Botox injections [1]. A frequent urge to urinate can also be caused by an enlarged prostate, which narrows the urethra and intensifies urinary urgency. If this is the case, medications such as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, alpha blockers or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5 inhibitors) can reduce the size of the prostate. In some cases, however, medication is not sufficient and surgery is necessary. Important: Be sure to seek medical advice to find the right medication treatment if this is necessary. In many cases, targeted pelvic floor training with MyPelvi is already sufficient.
The 10 best home remedies to stop frequent urination
Alongside medical treatments for bladder weakness, there are also some natural home remedies that may help improve bladder control and alleviate symptoms. They may prove suitable when used in combination with professionally supported treatment:
1. Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a well-known home remedy for bladder problems, particularly for men with an enlarged prostate. They contain fatty acids and zinc, which can support bladder control and strengthen bladder function.
2. Nettle tea
Nettle has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the urinary tract. The tea promotes bladder function and can alleviate symptoms of bladder weakness. A cup of nettle tea a day can have a soothing effect on your bladder.
3. Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants that can help strengthen bladder tissue. The juice also has anti-inflammatory properties that support urinary tract health. One glass of pomegranate juice a day can help improve bladder health.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for its many health benefits. It may help balance the body's pH level and calm the bladder. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water, taken twice a day, may help ease bladder weakness and keep the urinary tract healthy.
5. Cranberry juice
Cranberries are known for their positive effects on the urinary tract. Cranberry juice can help prevent infections and keep the bladder healthy. It has antibacterial properties that protect the bladder and reduce the risk of a urinary tract infection, which can lead to bladder weakness. It is also recommended in mild cases of urinary tract infection!
6. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil can relax the bladder muscles and reduce the urge to urinate. Adding a few drops of peppermint oil to a warm bath can help relieve the symptoms of bladder weakness and enhance overall well-being.
7. Blueberries
Blueberries have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help keep the bladder healthy. Regular consumption of blueberries, whether as juice or fresh berries, can support the urinary tract and help prevent bladder weakness.
8. Watermelon seeds
Watermelon seeds have diuretic properties that can help remove excess fluid from the body and strengthen the bladder. A tea made from crushed watermelon seeds can help alleviate bladder problems.
9. Drinking water
Sounds paradoxical? Although it may seem contradictory, you should drink enough water to keep your bladder healthy. Too little fluid can concentrate the urine and irritate the bladder, worsening the symptoms. Regular, moderate fluid intake spread throughout the day is ideal. The rule of thumb here is: 30 to 40 ml of water per kilogram of body weight.
10. Sage tea
Sage has anti-inflammatory properties and is a natural remedy for calming the bladder. Drinking sage tea regularly may reduce the urge to urinate and support the bladder.
These home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms of bladder weakness, but they are not a substitute for treatment.
What is the best treatment for bladder weakness?
The best treatment depends on the cause of bladder weakness. The best treatment for a weakened pelvic floor, one of the most common causes of bladder weakness, is MyPelvi training.
The innovative pelvic floor chair offers a comfortable and effective way to strengthen your muscles without any effort on your part, helping you regain control of your bladder.
Bladder weakness does not have to control your life! With the right measures and suitable training, you can take action now.
If you are curious about how the MyPelvi chair can help you, see for yourself:
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Bladder weakness affects not only women but also men – at any age. It can have various causes, including weak pelvic floor muscles, an enlarged prostate, or surgical interventions. Targeted treatment such as pelvic floor training or medical examinations are important to regain bladder control. Additionally, home remedies like pumpkin seeds, nettle tea, and pomegranate juice can alleviate symptoms.
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