What effect can prostate issues have on men regarding urinary function?

Prostate issues can significantly affect urinary function in men, primarily by leading to incontinence. Conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer often result in an enlarged prostate, which can compress the urethra and obstruct urine flow. This obstruction may cause urgency, frequency, and even leakage of urine, all of which are symptoms associated with urinary incontinence.

Incontinence related to prostate problems can manifest in different forms, such as stress incontinence, where physical pressure from activities like coughing or sneezing triggers leakage, or overflow incontinence, resulting from the bladder being overfilled due to impaired flow.

Understanding the connection between prostate health and urinary function is critical for recognizing the implications of prostate disorders on a man's quality of life.