Incontinence Guide

5 Ways To Manage Incontinence After Prostate Surgery

Urinary incontinence (UI) is the loss of bladder control and is, unfortunately, a common side effect of radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate to treat cancer). UI is also seen among men who receive radiation treatment for prostate cancer. 

About 6-8 % of men develop urinary incontinence after prostate surgery. However, this may only be temporary, and some will have only short-term UI and gradually regain bladder control. The time period varies from person to person and usually lasts from three to 12 months. A small percentage of men may experience long-term incontinence.

Incontinence After Prostate Surgery

Typically, urine is stored in the bladder until you have the urge to urinate. It then leaves the body through a tube called the urethra. The prostate gland is located at the base of the bladder and surrounds the urethra. 

At the point where the bladder and urethra meet, there is a ring of muscles known as the bladder neck sphincter, which plays a large role in managing incontinence. It is usually closed, which prevents leakage, and opens with a signal from the brain to allow urine to pass. Removing the prostate or using radiation to treat it can sometimes damage the nerves and muscles of the bladder, urethra, or urinary sphincter. This can result in urinary incontinence.

Types of Incontinence 

• Stress Incontinence: Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or lift something heavy is stress incontinence, and this happens because of pressure on the bladder. It typically occurs when the external sphincter muscle is damaged during the surgery.  
• Urge Incontinence: Is a sudden need to urinate, and it feels as though you cannot hold urine until you reach the bathroom. This issue can also come with episodes of leakage.

5 Ways to Manage Incontinence After Prostate Surgery 

Incontinence will gradually improve with time. Meanwhile, you can do things to manage incontinence and help regain control over your bladder. 

1. Strengthen the pelvic floor muscles 

Weak pelvic floor muscles are a major cause of incontinence. To help control urination, pelvic floor muscle training before and after surgery is vital to recovery. Kegel exercises or biofeedback programs will improve bladder control and reduce leakage.

2. Use Incontinence Products 

There are many products available to manage incontinence after prostate surgery. These include adult diapers, briefs, bladder control pads, bed pads, and more, and they are specifically designed to absorb urine and keep you comfortable and active.

Another helpful device called a penile clamp can also be used temporarily. This soft clip stays on the penis, which helps hold back urine. The user can decide when to remove it to relieve themselves.

3. Ask your doctor about medications 

Certain medications can improve the bladder’s capacity to hold urine and reduce the need to urinate frequently. Discuss your incontinence issue with your medical provider to see if bladder control medication is right for you. 

4. Opt for surgical procedures

Two surgical procedures are available for men with significant stress incontinence. These treatments are typically recommended if UI lasts one year after prostate surgery.

• Urethral Sling: A minimally invasive procedure where a synthetic mesh tape is placed around the urethral bulb and moves the urethra into a new position. Repositioning the urethra makes it easier to control urine flow.
• Artificial Urinary Sphincter:  AUS is used in patients who have more severe UI that does not show signs of improvement.
  • There are three parts to the AUS - an inflatable cuff, a pump, and a small pressure-regulating balloon.
  • The inflatable cuff is placed around the urethra, which closes it to prevent leakage.
  • The pump is inserted into the scrotum, which controls the opening and closing of the cuff.
  • When the urge to urinate is present, the user presses the pump to urinate. The balloon is placed in the abdomen, under the muscles. It maintains fluid pressure within the cuff to hold urine back.

5. Make some lifestyle changes

Eat a healthy diet rich in dietary fiber and include an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables. Also, limit alcohol, caffeine, and fizzy drinks as they may cause bladder irritation.

You can also try bladder training to regain control. Practice holding when you feel the urge to urinate and gradually increase holding time.

Our Top 5 Products to Manage Incontinence 

Incontinence after prostate surgery usually resolves within a year. During that time, talk to your doctor and search for support groups to find out what works best for you. HPFY hosts a vast collection of incontinence products from leading manufacturers to help manage incontinence and improve your quality of life. Visit www.healthproductsforyou.com for more info. 

 

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