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5 Ways To Manage Incontinence After Prostate Surgery

5 Ways To Manage Incontinence After Prostate Surgery
Sailaxmi Chennuru

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 

1. Tranquility ATN (All-Through-the-Night) Disposable Brief

FSA Approved    Made In USA

Designed to manage overnight incontinence, this adult brief offers up to 8 hours of protection for a peaceful night’s sleep. The peach mat core contains superabsorbent polymers that keep skin dry while reducing odors and preventing bacterial growth.

Features and benefits of Tranquility Adult Diapers

  • Maximum absorbency ensures uninterrupted sleep.
  • Peach mat core locks away liquid, enhancing comfort and dryness throughout the night.
  • Kufguards (inner leg cuffs) wrap around the leg openings and trap urine inside the diaper.
  • Gentle leg elastics provide a comfortable fit.
  • The wetness indicator lets you know when it is time for a change.
  • Odor guard keeps your surroundings smelling fresh.
  • Refastenable tape tabs can be repositioned until you get the right fit.
Tranquility ATN All-Through-the-Night Disposable Brief

 

 

2. Coloplast Conveen Optima Male External Catheter

FSA Approved

Designed to help manage urinary incontinence, this award-winning male external catheter puts an end to leakage problems. The built-in balanced adhesive is reliable and skin-friendly and makes the catheter fit securely without causing skin irritation. The double-grip strip makes application easy, even for nurses wearing gloves.

The anti-leakage system of this condom catheter includes an anti-kink bellow that ensures the free flow of urine and prevents backflow, while a push ring designed with sure-grip ribs provides a secure connection to the drainage bag.

Features of Conveen Optima Condom Catheter 

  • Self-adhering silicone catheter. 
  • A triple anti-leak system prevents unwanted urine leakage.
  • Transparent for easy monitoring.
  • Pull-tab for simple application. 
  • Compact and discreet packaging. 
  • Available in two sizes: standard length and sports length for short/retracted shafts.
  • Latex-free.
Coloplast Conveen Optima Male External Catheter

 

 

3. Medline ContourPlus Bladder Control Pads

FSA Approved

Designed for moderate to heavy urinary incontinence, these bladder control pads have a contoured design for a snug yet comfortable fit. The blue acquisition layer and superabsorbent core lock in fluid and keep the skin dry and healthy. 

Features of Medline ContourPlus Incontinence Pads

  • Superabsorbent core.
  • A breathable, cloth-like outer cover allows air to circulate for greater comfort.
  • An adhesive strip keeps the pad in place.
  • Elastic leg gathers prevent leaks.
  • Individually wrapped for convenient use.
Medline ContourPlus Bladder Control Pads

 

 

4. Bard Cunningham Penile Clamp

An effective device that reduces male incontinence problems as well as the use of incontinence pads and diapers. This incontinence clamp is easy to wear by just placing the middle of the penis between the two foam pads. The hinged clamp is then squeezed shut. It compresses the urethra and prevents leakage from the bladder without disturbing natural blood flow.

Features of Bard Cunningham Incontinence Clamp

  • A pain-free solution to incontinence.
  • Made of soft sponge rubber.
  • Easy to put on and take off.
  • Washable and reusable.
  • Does not interfere with lifestyle and routine activities.
  • Suitable for use by males of all ages.
Bard Cunningham Penile Clamp

 

 

5. Medline FitRight Ultra Adult Briefs

FSA Approved    Made In USA

Stay dry, comfortable, and active all day with this easy-to-use adult brief. The inner absorbent layer quickly seals fluid inside, protecting the skin from the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to moisture. Made with 4-D core technology, offering multiple layers of protection with flexible panels for a proper and secure fit.

Features of Medline Adult Diapers

  • Body-contoured design.
  • A thin cloth-like design is discreet under clothing. 
  • Ultra-soft, cloth-like back sheet enhances comfort. 
  • Breathable side panels.
  • Flexible anti-leak guards prevent accidents.
  • Wetness indicator signals when to change.
  • Extra-strong tape tabs are easy to fasten and refasten for a comfortable fit.
Medline FitRight Ultra Adult Briefs

 

 

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. 

 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.


HPFY Sailaxmi Chennuru

Sailaxmi Chennuru

Sailaxmi Chennuru, has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2017. A business management graduate, the study of anatomy has always been of interest to her.

After working as a medical transcriptionist for several years, she developed a keen interest ...

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