|
Illustration Demonstrating Collagen Injection |
Male urinary
incontinence occurs primarily in aging males and in
the majority of instances is related to diseases of the prostate and/or their
treatment. As men age, in more than 50% the prostate enlarges. In most
instances this is benign (nonmalignant) and results in increasing the resistance to
emptying the bladder. The bladder is designed to be a low pressure efficient
system. As the resistance increases it becomes a higher pressure system that can
lead to urinary retention (the inability to empty the bladder) or overflow
incontinence. Treatment of prostatic disease frequently involves altering the
prostate either by medication or surgery. The malignant prostate (Prostate Cancer)
can also alter bladder emptying, but in this situation treatment of the prostate such as
radiation or surgery is necessary. Regardless of whether the primary problem is
malignant or benign the alteration of the prostate is significant because the sphincter or
control mechanisms are in the same anatomical region. If these are altered in the
process of treating the prostate various degrees of urinary incontinence may occur. If the patient is motivated and has hand eye coordination as well as mobility these problems can be solved. Collagen can improve the efficiency of the sphincter. However, in severe cases the artificial sphincter can significantly improve the problem, even make the patient dry. |
