Male urinary incontinence: A normal part of aging?

I am a 72-year-old male. Sometimes when I have the strong urge to urinate I leak small amounts of urine before I can make it to the bathroom. What causes this?

- John / No state given

Mayo Clinic endocrinologist and men's health specialist Todd Nippoldt, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

Male urinary incontinence has many possible causes. The "leaking" of urine that you describe results from abnormal contractions or spasms of the bladder. The pressure created by these contractions forces urine out of the bladder, resulting in urine leakage. Possible causes of such male urinary incontinence include:

Neurological disorders such as stroke and Parkinson's disease
Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH)
Age-related changes to the bladder muscles

It is important to talk to your doctor about this problem. A urologist may identify the cause of urine leakage based on your medical history and physical examination. Additional tests also may be recommended. Treatment of male urinary incontinence depends on the underlying cause.