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

Incomplete emptying can cause light bladder leakage in men!

To achieve more complete bladder emptying, a urinal is out of the question. Sitting on a toilet and encouraging the bladder to empty seems to help.  It also seems that if you go into a cubicle, the relative privacy of the environment can help make the visit complete.

The thing is, men have to be a little patient. Most light leakage occurs when men are in a hurry - and sadly - that seems to be often. Also, many men need to go again within minutes.  The trouble is men rush to the toilet and don't take their time to fully empty the urethra. 

For most men, if they take their time - or more like - if they don't rush their visit to the toilet - they won't suffer from the embarrassment of light bladder leakage.

Urine can simply collect in the widest part of your urethra and is not 'voided' completely. You can help with your hand by using gentle pressure behind your scrotum to force out any remaining urine.

You can also try exercise to strengthen the pelvic muscles. This can be done anywhere as you tense, hold and relax your pelvic muscles. However, this shouldn't be done too often because 'urine retention' is not recommended.

If you are suffering from light bladder leakage you should talk to your GP.  In the meantime, using one of the 'light leakage' shields available here will at least 'catch' the drips for you. Order a 'light' Trial Pack so you can try out a few solutions and decide whichsuits you best.

Men have bladder leakage issues.

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 70 will have the condition.

But let's go back to the 60 plus group.  There's no firm statistics on the 10% 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 will always be post surgery leakage and this can continue for quite a while.

Men often don't regard the 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 you have put your penis back in your underpants before all that happens, you can get wet splashes down your leg - and that can be quite a shock at first.  If you have any open skin on your leg the urine splash will sting a bit and if you have eaten asparagus in the last couple of meals you are likely to have a smell in your 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 discrete shield or pad - see these on our website - 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 cheaper, easier and healthier to where a shield or pad.

Beer drinkers pee a lot

 I went to the Moa Brewery 2013 Annual General Meeting where the poor financial results were washed down with some of the company's fine crafted beers. You may imagine, I surveyed the room for likely suspects for dryfella products and the majority were in the 'age group.'

 I got chatting to one fellow and after commiserations on Moa's performance I shared with him that my wife and I are having a go at eCommerce. He was fascinated and even more intrigued when I told him what we are selling. [See what we are up to at dryfella.co.nz]

Now what about this..... !

Dealing With Urges

We don't identify our enquirers or customers, but being able to read about some actual enquiries may be helpful for others' education.  Here's an enquiry that may ring bells for you.

"Occasionally when I have a need to urinate about three or four seconds before I arrive at the WC there is a premature leak into my underpants. That's a worry when I'm out but less so at home. Is it perhaps psychosomatic as the urge often comes just as I start making espresso coffee."

ATTENDS could work quite well here.

There are a couple of things that I can comment on here. .... >

Introduction ...

The dryfellas Blog

This is a new activity for us.  We've heard about Blogs, but have never had a reason to explore how to create one let alone get involved in posting to our own Blog.  But here we are.

The main purpose of this Blog is to open up discussion around a very sensitive subject for men - light bladder leakage - or the more serious - incontinence.  While the Blog will not be 100% on this subject,we certainly want to create a forum where we can share information on bladder leakage management and others can share their experience so men can open up a little in confidence. ..>