Urinary incontinence (leaking urine) can be a temporary
or permanent side effect of treatment for prostate cancer.
Under normal conditions, urine flow is controlled by muscles
in the bladder neck (internal sphincter)
and by muscles surrounding the urethra (external
sphincter). When these muscles are damaged either
during surgery or radiation therapy, you may lose the ability
to control your urine flow. This is usually a temporary
condition that will improve in the few months that follow
treatment. You may strengthen and learn to reuse these muscles
with Kegel Exercises.
There are also devices
to help you through your recovery.
