WHAT IS MALE STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE (SUI)?

Male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is leakage of urine during actions including sneezing, coughing, laughing and lifting that put abdominal pressure on the bladder. The condition is unrelated to psychological stress, and is caused by the weakening of the sphincter, the muscle that controls the release of urine.

WHAT CAUSES MALE STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE?

Prostate cancer treatment is a common cause of SUI. Surgery – a prostatectomy – radiation or a combination of prostate cancer therapies can affect the external sphincter muscle and its functionality.

1 in 10
men

Approximately 1 in 10 men have persistent leakage one year after a prostatectomy. If you’re among these men, know that you’re not alone, and that there are treatment options you can pursue.

THERE ARE A VARIETY OF SUI TREATMENT OPTIONS

The possibility of bladder leakage may cause you to agonize over a possible accident or worry about smelling bad. But instead of giving up, let’s explore the SUI treatment options available to you.

Pads or absorbent underwear can help you manage your incontinence. And a urine collection bag or penile clamp can also help prevent accidental leakage. Each of these require regular attention, such as changing pads or underwear, or emptying collection bags.

Long-term treatment options include implants such as an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) or a male sling. In a survey of 1,082 men, 94% who received an AMS 800™ AUS would recommend the
surgery to a friend or family member.

Randy’s Story

How long does it take to perform the AMS 800 or AdVance XP procedures?

The procedures for each treatment usually take 1–2 hours. The procedures are generally performed in an outpatient setting, which means patients go home the same day or early the following morning.

Will I be continent after receiving the AMS 800 or AdVance XP treatment?

For the AMS 800, long-term studies show 60% to 96% of patients use 1 or no pads per day.1-3 One study found that patients may be continent immediately following their AdVance XP procedure.4 Long-term data shows that after having the AdVance XP procedure, cured and improved rates range from 63.2% to 83% at 5 years in patients with mild to moderate incontinence.

Will anyone be able to visually tell I have an implant?

Once in place, your implant will be completely undetectable in appearance to others. It’s fully concealed in the body. No one will know unless you tell them—even in the locker room.

How long is recovery?

Recovery depends upon whether a sling or an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) has been implanted. With the sling, patients may resume normal activities at the physician’s discretion, often within one to two weeks following the procedure. Your urologist can give you specific instructions regarding your recovery.

For those with an AUS, your urologist will manage your care following your procedure and over the following several weeks. At the four- to six-week follow-up appointment, your urologist will activate the AUS and teach you how to use the AUS device.

Roberto’s Story

Common questions to ask your physician

  • What do I need to do before my procedure?
  • What are the risks of the surgery?
  • How satisfied are patients with the results of this procedure?
  • What are some possible side effects?
  • Will I be able to drive myself home after the procedure?
  • What do I need to do for proper healing?

LET’S DISCUSS YOUR OPTIONS

Take the next step and schedule an appointment with your doctor. Learn more about SUI and discuss treatment options to begin your journey to improved health.