Recovery & Support for Male Urinary Dysfunction

NYU Langone urologists may recommend “watchful waiting” for some men with mild symptoms or those who aren’t bothered by urinary dysfunction. This means that treatments are delayed unless or until any changes in urinary function require intervention. 

Men who are candidates for watchful waiting do not have signs of blood in the urine; bladder or kidney stones; kidney failure; or urinary retention, which can lead to urinary tract infection. Your doctor uses diagnostic tests to determine whether any of these conditions is present. 

Your urologist can help you reduce the symptoms of male urinary dysfunction by teaching you behavior modification techniques, exercises, and lifestyle changes. 

Making Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can be helpful in the treatment of male urinary dysfunction. If you have incontinence, avoid alcohol, coffee, soda, and tea. Making sure to use the bathroom every two to four hours can help you train your bladder to urinate on a schedule. Reduce the amount of fluid you drink each day, but avoid becoming dehydrated, which can irritate the lining of the bladder and trigger urgency incontinence. 

You can reduce nighttime urination by avoiding liquids one hour before bedtime. Pads and protective undergarments can help you manage urine leaks or loss. 

Your NYU Langone urologist may refer you to Rusk Rehabilitation for a urinary behavior modification program. 

Quitting Smoking

Smoking can irritate the bladder and cause a chronic cough, which can aggravate symptoms of incontinence. If you smoke, take steps to quit. Your doctor may refer you to one of NYU Langone’s Tobacco Cessation Programs for support.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises

Specific exercises are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder. Among the best known are Kegel exercises, in which you tighten and release the pelvic floor muscles, which control the bladder and bowels. 

Your NYU Langone urologist can teach you how to isolate, tighten, and release your pelvic floor muscles or refer you to physical therapists at NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation for additional support.

If your symptoms of male urinary dysfunction return or worsen, contact your doctor, who may prescribe medications or recommend neuromodulation or surgery to treat your urinary dysfunction.