Stress urinary incontinence in the aging male: current treatment options

Abstract

In industrialized countries, urinary incontinence is one of the main health problems. In addition, owing to increased life expectancy and aging of the population, urinary incontinence will be a heavy burden for our society and pose a big challenge for our health systems in the near future. In general, the prevalence of urinary incontinence in men increases with age and can be up to 20% in older men >75 years of age. However, in the past, stress urinary incontinence in men played a secondary role. Nowadays, especially caused by the increasing number of radical prostatectomies for prostate cancer, a substantial number of older patients are suffering from stress urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is still a big taboo and affected patients feel very embarrassed. Therefore, only a minority of the patients – especially the older ones – seek help through a physician. In general, diagnosis and treatment in the aging male does not differ from diagnosis and treatment in younger patients. However, it should be adapted to individual health status and individual patient treatment request. In addition, comorbidities, medications, cognitive or functional impairment and life expectancy have to be taken into account.