So we all know when November rolls around each year as moustaches suddenly spring up on the faces of our male friends, family members and colleagues. Some look better for it but let’s face it..most look downright ridiculous!
We all laugh and play along but I bet most of you can’t remember what the cause is in aid of?
Movember is about raising awareness of Men’s Health..namely Prostate Cancer and Male Mental Health. And these generous men, known as Mo Bros, raise the profile as well as raise funds. In 2011, $124 million was raised from Movember.
Prostate you say..what’s that got to do with Physiotherapy?? Well with Prostate problems comes incontinence. Yes..MALE incontinence. That’s right..men also have pelvic floor muscles but like a lot of Men’s health issues incontinence, is often overlooked or simply ignored.
Whilst incontinence is more often a problem with older men, it is not a normal part of the aging process and should be addressed. .
So why does the prostate effect incontinence?
The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ. It is about the size of a walnut and sits at the base of the bladder. The thin tube (urethra) that carries urine and semen out of the penis runs through the centre of the prostate gland. At the point where the bladder and urethra join, there is a ring of muscles, known as the bladder neck sphincter, which opens and closes like a camera-shutter. The bladder neck sphincter is closed most of the time to prevent urine leaking out but when it gets permission from the brain, it opens to allow urine to be passed. Another (external) sphincter is part of another set of muscles below the prostate called the pelvic floor. These muscles are also involved in bladder control. If the bladder neck sphincter has pressure on it from an enlarged prostate or is damaged during prostate cancer surgery, the pelvic floor muscles are now relied on to control the bladder more often. If the pelvic floor is weak you may experience urinary incontinence.
Will it get better?
Following prostate surgery it can get better with time but with Pelvic Floor muscles exercises it can speed up the process and stop leakage sooner. If you have not had surgery then its best that you do seek some help to improve your situation. If you don’t strengthen these muscles then leakage may persist.
Sally Pilbeam, is our Incontinence expert at SquareOne and would be able to help you manage any incontinence issues you are having. Once the type of incontinence is known then treatment normally consists of medication that can be prescribed by your Dr, simple exercises or most often a combination of both. Most men do not require surgery.
Please call our friendly reception team on 9968 3424 to book an appointment now and put an end to your worries.
