Male incontinence video guides

Jefferson Maia 

Story: During a robbery in 1987, Jefferson was shot in the neck. The bullet hit the marrow, leaving him a tetraplegic. Up until this point in time, Jefferson had led an active life, working as a professional deep diver. But in one moment, his life totally changed.  In 1992, he met Bernardo Lemos, also a diver and a tetraplegic. Through Bernardo, Jefferson met Professor Lucia Sodré, who gave him the stimulus he needed to return to the underwater environment he loved.  Jefferson started diving again and began working with people with disabilities. Jefferson has also competed in the National Paralympics in the Brazilian championships in 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995. He has served as team captain in Wheelchair Rugby during the 2005 World Peace for Rio event, and participated in annual competitions of Adapted Sport Fishing of the Brazilian Confederation of Fisheries and Underwater Sports.

“After my injury, I had no idea what my life would be like. It took me a long time to return to a full and productive life, which I realized was totally possible for anyone, even if you have a physical limitation.”

“I started painting 10 years ago. I paint with my mouth, which I take as a challenge. I have also created an association where I use art to create inclusion and interactions between children from diverse backgrounds.” 

Story: Carlos injured his spinal cord when he was 33 years old. He was first introduced to Coloplast two years ago. Now he is 56 and enjoying life to the fullest. He is active and social; he can visit family and friends and go out with his father, with no fear of smell. It’s the feeling of freedom that has really improved his daily life.

Carlos is also a passionate photographer. He covered the 2016 Rio Paralympics for the rugby, basketball and swimming teams.

This FAQ is intended as a guide to commonly asked questions. Please always consult your healthcare professional regarding any bladder issues you are experiencing. 

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the medical term for being unable to control the release of urine. 

What is neurogenic bladder? 

Neurogenic bladder refers to a condition where neurological damage has led to bladder dysfunction.

What are the signs and symptoms of urinary incontinence?

Some typical signs and symptoms include:

• Involuntary leakage of urine without warning or without feeling the need to go to the toilet
• Involuntary leakage of urine when sneezing, coughing, laughing or exercising
• A sudden urge to rush to the toilet either before or when leaking urine
• The need to get up to pass urine two or more times a night (nocturia)

What causes urinary incontinence?

Potential causes include:

• Damage or weakness to the muscles in the pelvic floor (most commonly due to pregnancy and childbirth)
• Problems with the control of the bladder muscle (bladder overactivity and bladder underactivity)
• Neurogenic conditions that affect the voluntary release of urine (e.g. spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis or  spina bifida)
• Enlarged prostate gland 
• Urinary tract infection
• Type 2 diabetes

Is urinary incontinence a natural part of aging?

Although incontinence becomes more common with advancing age, it is not just older people who are affected. Effective solutions are available, so it should not stop you from living a full and active life, whatever your age. 

Can I still have a social life with urinary incontinence?

It is possible to manage incontinence effectively. A doctor or nurse should be able to help find a solution that makes it possible to continue a social life and everyday activities. 

Can urinary incontinence be treated?

Most types of incontinence can be treated or improved through lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, medication or surgery. If a cure is not possible,or a temporary solution is required, products such as catheters, urisheaths (for men) or absorbent products can be very helpful. 

What is a catheter?

A catheter can be used to ensure the bladder is completely emptied. It is a slim, flexible tube that is inserted into the bladder through the urethra enabling the urine to drain.

Why is it important to empty my bladder?

If your bladder is not emptied regularly, it can cause urinary tract infections. These start in the bladder but can move back to the kidneys and cause serious renal damage. Even small amounts of urine left in the bladder can cause infections. 

Can I drink less so that I do not have to empty my bladder so often?

No. It is very important that you drink enough to keep the urinary system healthy. An adult should drink approximately 1500 ml per day and take in a total of about 3 litres including liquids in the daily diet.

How can I tell if I have an urinary tract infection?

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection vary and may be subtle. They include:

• Dark-coloured and strong-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine
• Cloudy urine
• Fever/sweating
• Bladder spasms
• Increased muscle contractions in your leg

If you have any of the above symptoms, talk to your doctor or nurse. 

What if I get frequent urinary tract infections?

Using an intermittent catheter increases the risk of urinary tract infections. However, compared to other catheter types such as permanent (indwelling) catheters, intermittent catheters are less likely to cause urinary tract infections.

How can I prevent catheter related urinary tract infections?

There are ways to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections from catheters:

• Ensure you have clean hands and equipment when catheterising
• Drink sufficient amount of fluid during the day to wash out the urinary tract
• Make sure that the bladder is fully emptied every time you catheterise
• Speak to your healthcare professional about your catheterisation frequency and technique

Find out more

View a guide of how to catheterise.

Learn more about products for managing urinary incontinence

Bladder problems must be properly managed, if left untreated they could result in serious health issues. 

There are many options available to help manage bladder problems:

• Pelvic floor exercises
• Bladder retraining
• Catheters
• Collecting devices
• Lifestyle changes
• Medication
• Surgery

Pelvic floor exercises

Pelvic floor exercises are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to help reduce urinary incontinence.

• Slowly contract and lift the pelvic floor muscles and hold the position for five seconds, then release
• Quickly contract and release the pelvic floor muscles

You will need to do the exercises regularly and it may take several months before you see a significant improvement.

Bladder retraining

Bladder retraining to help reduce urinary incontinence aims to gradually stretch the bladder so that it can hold larger volumes of urine.

Catheters

Intermittent self catheterisation (ISC) is an effective bladder management technique based on the regular and complete emptying of the bladder by using a catheter. People who catheterise to empty their bladder typically need to do so 4-6 times a day.  Learn more about Coloplast catheters for men and women).

Collecting systems (for men)

For men who leak urine (male incontinence), urisheaths are an effective and comfortable solution. The urisheath is worn over the penis and is connected to a urine bag fastened to the leg. Learn more about Coloplast products for male incontinence.

Lifestyle changes

For some people managing symptoms may include lifestyle changes, such as modifying the diet to reduce constipation and reducing the consumption of caffeinated beverages. Timing fluid intake at certain times can also be helpful so the need to urinate is more convenient and doesn’t coincide with excursions in public or sleeping at night.

Medication

Drugs are prescribed for all types of incontinence, but they are generally most useful for urge incontinence, particularly when combined with pelvic floor exercises and bladder training. Stress incontinence is usually managed without medication.

Surgery

A variety of surgical procedures are available for the treatment of bladder problems. Deciding which procedure, if any, you use depends on the type and cause of incontinence.

Find out more

A number of Coloplast products are available to help manage bladder problems:

• Female catheters
• Male catheters
• Collecting systems (urisheath and urine bag) for male incontinence

Catheter valves have been used for many years and are a popular alternative to wearing a urine drainage bag. They’re easy to use, whilst offering discretion, comfort and independence.Before using a catheter valve it’s important you’re assessed by your healthcare professional to ensure a catheter valve is suitable for you.

Q: When can a catheter valve be used?

Catheter valves are used as an alternative to allowing urine to drain freely into a drainage bag. This management option is preferable for some people as it can offer more freedom and discretion.

Q: Who can use a catheter valve?

Catheter valves are not to be used in conjunction with a sheath. They are not suitable for everyone and you should ask your District Nurse or Continence Advisor for advice on whether a valve would be suitable for you. If you’ve recently had surgery on your bladder, have a low bladder capacity, experience bladder irritability, or unable to feel if your bladder is full, then a valve will not be suitable for you.

Q: How often should the catheter valve be changed?

The catheter valve should be changed every 5-7 days.

Q: How often should I empty my bladder?

It’s very important you open the valve and empty your bladder at regular intervals, about every four hours during the day. If you do not empty the bladder regularly you might experience some abdominal discomfort as the bladder becomes full, or you may experience leakage of urine around the catheter.

Q: Can I attach a night bag to the catheter valve?

It’s essential that the catheter valve is attached to a 2-litre bag during the night. Once the night bag isconnected you should ensure the catheter valve isin the open position to allow for drainage.