Did you know that over 200,000 men in the U.S. are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year? And many of them end up having prostate surgery. While the surgery can save lives, one challenge some men face afterward is incontinence. The good news is that most men recover within 6 to 12 months. But managing incontinence during this recovery period can still be tough, and it’s essential to seek professional help for bladder weakness.

Why Am I Dealing with Incontinence After Prostate Surgery?

Here’s the thing: your bladder control depends on two muscles – the internal sphincter and the external sphincter. When your prostate is removed, the internal sphincter, which isn’t the primary muscle for bladder control, is also taken out. The external sphincter, the muscle that actually controls your bladder, can become weakened or even damaged during the surgery. Add in possible nerve or blood supply damage, and suddenly, you may find it hard to control your bladder.

Types of Incontinence After Prostate Surgery

1. Urgency Incontinence: This one’s all about feeling that sudden, desperate need to pee – and not being able to hold it in. You might find yourself rushing to the bathroom, but not making it in time. This happens because your bladder spasms unexpectedly, but the good news is it can often be controlled with medication.
2. Stress Urinary Incontinence: If your external sphincter was affected during surgery, you could leak urine when you exert yourself. Lifting something heavy, coughing, sneezing, or even changing positions could trigger an accident. This is common right after the catheter is removed.

How to Manage Incontinence After Prostate Surgery

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for incontinence, but don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to manage it. By working with your doctor or joining a support group, you can find the best strategy for you.

1. Pelvic Floor Exercises
   Strengthening the muscles you use to control urine can go a long way. Think of it like exercising your bladder’s “control muscles” through Kegel exercises or biofeedback training. It might take time, but it can really help.
2. Lifestyle Changes
   Sometimes, it’s the small tweaks in your daily routine that make a big difference. Try cutting back on alcohol, avoiding caffeine, and going to the bathroom regularly – even if you don’t feel the urge. Also, chat with your doctor to see if any medications you’re taking might be contributing to the issue.
3. Medications
   There are medications designed to help reduce your urge to urinate or even increase your bladder’s capacity. And with new drugs in development, there are even more options on the horizon to help manage this issue.
4. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
   Sounds high-tech, but it works. A small probe is placed in the anus, and a mild current is passed through your body, making your muscles contract. As you squeeze your muscles, this helps train and strengthen them, reducing the risk of incontinence.
5. Artificial Sphincter
   An artificial sphincter is a device that helps prevent urine leakage. It consists of a pump, a pressure-regulating balloon, and a cuff that wraps around your urethra. Up to 80% of men who have used this device have seen positive results.
6. Bulbourethral Sling
   This sling, made from either synthetic material or your own tissue, is designed to suspend and compress the urethra to help you regain bladder control. It’s a good option for certain types of incontinence.
7. Surgery
   For some men, surgery may be necessary. One option is placing rubber rings around the tip of the bladder, helping it hold urine in place.
8. Catheters
   A catheter can help manage incontinence by collecting urine in a bag. A condom catheter, worn over the penis, is a discreet option, or you can opt for self-catheterization, where a thin tube is inserted into the urethra to drain the bladder. This can be done at home, safely.
9. Incontinence Products
   Incontinence doesn’t have to stop you from living an active life. There are a variety of incontinence products available, such as bed pads, mattress covers, and adult underwear designed to absorb urine and keep you comfortable.

Managing incontinence after prostate surgery can feel overwhelming, but with the right treatment plan and a bit of patience, it’s possible to regain control and live confidently.