Leaking urine is common among cancer patients and survivors, especially men with prostate cancer. In the video above, urologist Dr. Kathleen Kobashi explains the types and causes of urinary incontinence.
"The definition is very broad — the involuntary loss of urine," says Dr. Kobashi. "Even a little bit can be embarrassing. It's a real quality of life problem."
Stress incontinence: A problematic valve muscle
Dr. Kobashi describes the bladder as a balloon, with the knot representing the neck of the bladder.
"If that knot isn't tight enough and someone squeezes the balloon, some of the air is going to leak out," she says. "If you cough or sneeze or lift something, that pressure overcomes what your bladder valve can tolerate, and it leaks."
The prostate gland is located right next to this valve. When the prostate is removed, it can sometimes affect the strength of the surrounding muscles that control bladder flow.
Urgency incontinence: Overactive bladder
When you feel a sudden need to urinate — and you worry that you won't make it in time — that's a sign of overactive bladder (OAB).
"The bladder might be too stiff or squeezing when it's not supposed to," Dr. Kobashi says. "When that tissue is overly sensitive, it tries to release at a lower volume than it should."
OAB can occur when the prostate is enlarged by cancer or another condition. This puts pressure on the urethra, slowing the stream of urine. The bladder then overcompensates with the urge to urinate more frequently.
(Related: What's the Best Treatment for Overactive Bladder?)
