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Stress and urge incontinence are the most common types of
urinary problems that occur following prostate surgery.
Stress incontinence occurs with strenuous activity such
as lifting, bending over or even laughing. Urge incontinence
occurs because of a bladder spasm or contraction that results
in a desperate need to urinate. Usually these problems are
temporary and will clear up in the few months that follow
surgery.
In the meantime there are many options available to help
you. Special “pouches” or pads may be worn with
briefs. These may be found at your local pharmacy. A less
costly but equally effective solution is to use diapers
for newborns in place of the pads. For longer periods, items
such as condom catheters (a bag and tubing that connects
to the penis to allow free drainage) may be helpful. |
Kegel exercises both before and after surgery are an excellent
way to strengthen your pelvic muscles and control your urine
flow.
Kegels may be done sitting, standing or lying down. Each
Kegel cycle is comprised of 3 steps:
- Tighten rectum as if you are about to pass gas and you
are trying to hold it.
- Tilt pelvic floor if lying on the floor tilt pelvis
toward the ceiling.
- Pull everything up as if you are trying to internalize
your scrotum. Hold these 3 steps for 5-10 seconds each
and release. Repeat these cycles about 45-60 times. You
may do them all at once or throughout the day.
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