Incontinence in men with BPH is usually due to which mechanism?

Incontinence in men with BPH is usually due to which mechanism?

• A. Urge incontinence
• B. Functional incontinence
• C. Overflow incontinence
• D. Stress incontinence

Answer: (C)

Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder cannot empty completely because of bladder outlet obstruction from an enlarged prostate. The blockage makes the detrusor work harder and over time may lead to incomplete emptying and increased residual urine. As the bladder fills, pressure rises and small amounts can leak, especially after voiding—dribbling or continuous leakage due to overflow. This is the classic mechanism in men with BPH. Urge incontinence would involve involuntary detrusor contractions, functional incontinence is due to nonbladder issues like mobility or cognition, and stress incontinence results from weak urethral closure under pressure—mechanisms that don’t fit the typical BPH scenario.

Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder cannot empty completely because of bladder outlet obstruction from an enlarged prostate. The blockage makes the detrusor work harder and over time may lead to incomplete emptying and increased residual urine. As the bladder fills, pressure rises and small amounts can leak, especially after voiding—dribbling or continuous leakage due to overflow. This is the classic mechanism in men with BPH. Urge incontinence would involve involuntary detrusor contractions, functional incontinence is due to nonbladder issues like mobility or cognition, and stress incontinence results from weak urethral closure under pressure—mechanisms that don’t fit the typical BPH scenario.