Real Men Suffer with Incontinence Too

According to the American Cancer Society, 2.8 million men are prostate cancer survivors in the United States and many are learning to live with incontinence, a side effect of treatment.

Embarrassment and a lack of desirable treatment options can hinder the lifestyle of men as they avoid recreational, social activities and suffer decreased sexual desire and performance for fear of accidental bowel or urinary leakage. Incontinence can also be related to other serious health concerns, from pelvic pain to sexual dysfunction.

“Prostate surgery can leave pelvic floor muscles, and ligaments weak that are necessary to support the uterus, bladder, and rectum which can affect everything from the ability to orgasm to accidentally losing bladder control. The good news is, there now is a non-surgical treatment,” says Michael Krychman, M.D., Executive Director of The Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine. “Due to the complex nature of the pelvic floor, most interventions are invasive and require surgical procedures. Because bladder control is primarily related to weakness of the pelvic floor muscle and spasms of the bladder muscle, urine loss can occur with increased intra-abdominal pressure (coughing, laughing, sneezing or exercising). Strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles will decrease accidental leakage and avoid embarrassment.”

An alternative to traveling to a pelvic floor physical therapist or resorting to diapers and pads, taking medication, or undergoing surgery, InTone®MV is FDA cleared to provide men a non-surgical, implant-free solution for stress, urge, mixed and bowel incontinence. Its design utilizes a scientifically-derived muscle stimulation algorithm, active resistance and biofeedback to address the complexities of the pelvic floor, strengthen weakened musculature and improve sphincter closure, all within the privacy of home.

A customizable probe with muscle stimulation effectively strengthens the muscles of the pelvic floor and provides voice-guided volitional exercise and visual biofeedback to reinforce proper completion of exercises. Data from each home-based session is recorded allowing the health care provider to guide progress during monthly follow up visits.

“Millions of men no longer need to live with the daily frustration and embarrassment of wearing diapers, taking meds or undergoing surgery to stop urinary or fecal incontinence,” adds Krychman. “And, a strong pelvic floor means the answer for many to good sexual functioning as men often confuse penis and erectile difficulty with pelvic floor issues. It’s important for men to discuss their unique situation with a urologist and ask about InTone®MV as a first line of treatment."