Treatment of male urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction

Abstract

Methods and devices to diagnose and treat male urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction are provided. A multiple sensor-enabled catheter for rectal insertion in a male patient allows for the visualization and manipulation or positioning of the bladder. A multiple sensor-enabled catheter for rectal insertion in a male patient allows for the visualization and implementation of efficient and effective exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for the diagnosis or treatment of male urinary incontinence comprising inserting into the rectum of a male patient a multiple sensor-enable catheter, visualizing the anatomical state of the patient, and manipulating the patient's body to a position capable of relieving the incontinence. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anatomical state is the relative position of one or more patient anatomical reference points selected from the group consisting of the pubic bone, the coccyx, the bladder, the urethra, the prostate, and the rectum. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anatomical state is the muscular function of the bladder sphincter. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anatomical state is the muscular function of the rectal sphincter. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anatomical state is the muscular function of the pelvic floor. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the manipulating is done by the patient. 
     
     
         7 . A method for the diagnosis or treatment of male sexual dysfunction comprising inserting into the rectum of a male patient a multiple sensor-enable catheter, visualizing the anatomical state of the patient, and manipulating the patient's body to a position capable of strengthening pelvic floor muscles. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said dysfunction is erectile dysfunction. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said dysfunction is premature ejaculation. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the manipulating is done by the patient.