Older men have bladder leakage issues.

I was surprised to find that around 10% of men over 60 can experience bladder leakage and of course that percentage increases through the 60s and beyond to the stage where it's highly likely most men over 80 will have the condition.

But let's go back to the 60 plus group.  There's no firm statistics on the10% and of course there is the aside factor of men having urethral or prostate health issues.  Where surgery is required, generally related to urethral strictures, prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland) or prostate cancer, there is post surgery leakage and this can continue for quite a while.

Men often don't regard the bladder leakage problem at its onset.  All they notice is it gets slightly difficult to complete a void. (emptying of the urethra) - the canal down the penis from the bladder. What's happening is the opening in the bladder is not closing off firmly due to age weakening. These droplets or very small flows run down the urethra until the void is finally completed.  Trouble is, if they have put their penis back in their underpants before all that happens, they get wet splashes down their leg - and that can be quite a shock at first.  And, if they have any open skin on their leg the urine splash will sting a bit. Of course if they have eaten asparagus in the last couple of meals they are likely to have a smell in their pants.  All rather unpleasant. It should not be ignored.

Some of this bladder weakness is normal and can be easily managed by using a small discreet shield or pad - see these on our website www.dryfella.co.nz - but if you suspect a medical problem you should consult your doctor.  The point is it's important that men understand what's going on and take control accordingly.  There is no excuse for wetness, smells and infection simply because this quite normal part of the aging process is happening.  Ignorance and disregard are no excuse at all.

Don't leave it until a close family member or maybe a friend has to take you aside and suggest you have a problem because you have begun to smell.  Of course that happens because your pants start to smell.  Typically, underpants aren't changed often enough - these should be washed every day - and pants should be washed or dry-cleaning regularly too.  It's easier and healthier to where a shield or pad. 

The dryfellas 
info@dryfella.co.nz