Dealing With Both ED and Incontinence

Erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence are common problems among men. Both are a source of frustration and can be challenging when they occur together.

Some men wonder if incontinence can cause erectile dysfunction and vice versa. These are some of the questions we will answer in this article as we explore the connection between the two. So continue reading to learn how to deal with sexual dysfunction and incontinence.

Sexual Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a sexual issue that prevents men from obtaining or maintaining an erection for satisfying intercourse. It can result from various causes, such as:

• Stress
• Aging
• Diabetes
• Medications
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol

Erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence are not the only health problems that will interfere with a man’s sexual activities. Some men may also suffer from other sexual dysfunctions, such as premature ejaculation and low libido.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the inability to control urination. It can affect men’s sexual activities and be a source of embarrassment. Some may also experience fecal incontinence, but urinary incontinence is more common. Here are the most prevalent types of urinary incontinence.

Functional Bladder Incontinence

Functional bladder incontinence happens when a man notices the need to urinate but cannot reach a toilet in time because of a medical or environmental issue blocking his way.

Functional urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction can be due to an enlarged prostate and nerve damage.

Overflow Bladder Incontinence

Overflow bladder incontinence happens when a man can only release a small amount of urine without completely emptying his bladder.

This type of incontinence can cause severe stress, leading to erectile dysfunction. The primary reasons for overflow bladder incontinence include a weak bladder, blockage, and an enlarged prostate.

Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence, or urgency incontinence, happens when a man feels the sudden urge to urinate but cannot wait until he reaches the bathroom. So it will lead to discharge.

Urge urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction can be sources of humiliation for men. The causes of this incontinence are usually bladder injuries, infections, inflammation, and stones.

Reflex Urinary Incontinence

Reflex urinary incontinence is similar to urge incontinence. However, it results in more leakage. Its causes include neurological problems and spasms in the bladder muscles.

Stress Urinary Incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence happens when a man coughs, sneezes or performs other activities that pressure the pelvis. Stress incontinence is more common among women, but some men experience it too.

Its primary cause is a weakened sphincter (muscle encircling the urethra) and the application of involuntary physical pressure on the bladder.

Mixed Incontinence

The last type of urinary incontinence that can accompany erectile dysfunction and cause sexual problems is mixed incontinence. As the name suggests, it’s a mix of two types of incontinence: stress and urge. It can happen from nerve and muscle damage in the bladder.

What Can Cause Incontinence and Erectile Dysfunction?

While each type of incontinence can have a different cause, the underlying reasons for all urinary incontinence and ED can be the same. Prostate cancer treatment is the most notable one. However, there are other reasons that you need to know.

Diabetes

Diabetes is among the most common reasons for erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. It can damage blood cells, weaken bladder muscles, increase urine output, and lead to more trips to the bathroom. Most men with diabetes can often improve their symptoms by changing their lifestyle and becoming more active.

Neurological Issues

Neurological issues, such as those after prostate cancer or BPH surgery, can also contribute to urinary and sexual dysfunctions. Nerve-damaging conditions like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis can also interfere with nerve signals and lead to incontinence and ED.

High Blood Pressure

Another factor that can cause incontinence and erectile dysfunction is high blood pressure. It will damage the blood vessels, causing them to become narrow and preventing the necessary blood flow for maintaining an erection to reach the penis.

Plus, medications for high blood pressure can lead to erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. These meds will disrupt sexual performance and increase urination.

Bad Lifestyle Habits

Bad habits in your daily life can also lead to different sexual and urinary problems. For instance, smoking can harm the blood vessels and muscles of the pelvic floor. Alcohol is another factor that can decrease libido and act as a diuretic. Practicing erectile dysfunction self-care and following healthier routines can undo the effects of these harmful habits.

Enlarged Prostate

Non-cancerous prostate enlargement, or BPH, is another common cause of incontinence. An enlarged prostate can even be connected to erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence due to an enlarged prostate often occur in men over 40.

The enlarged gland will apply more pressure on the bladder and cause accidental leakage. The medications for BPH also have side effects that concern obtaining and maintaining erections.

The Connection Between Incontinence and ED

While the two conditions may share root issues, incontinence cannot cause erectile dysfunction and vice versa. You may experience both due to underlying health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. However, there isn’t a casual connection between ED and incontinence.

Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction and Urinary Incontinence

Various treatments are available for sexual dysfunction and incontinence. These treatments will differ based on each man’s cause and the severity of the condition.

Here are the most common forms of treatment for ED and incontinence.

Treatments for ED

• Penile implants
• Vacuum pumps and penis sleeves
• Medications such as Viagra and Levitra

Treatments for Incontinence

• Penile clamps
• Absorbent pads
• Condom catheters
• Artificial sphincters
• Strengthening exercises like Kegels
• Medications like tamsulosin and alfuzosin

Face Erectile Dysfunction and Urinary Incontinence With RX Sleeve

So can incontinence cause erectile dysfunction? Not exactly, but the two may share similar causes. You can treat those causes by consulting a doctor and adopting healthier lifestyle habits.

Do you need more help facing ED and incontinence? RX Sleeve is here for you! We carry various incontinence support products and penis sleeves to help you reclaim intimacy and live your best life. Shop our comfortable penis sleeves today and receive your order with discrete shipping. You can contact us if you have any questions and visit our blog to learn more about men’s sexual health topics.