Urine leakage long after prostate removal

Leaking urine after prostate surgery is a common problem. Most men report gradual improvement over several months following surgery. However, some men remain incontinent. Certain types of incontinence can be improved with conservative treatment.

There are two main types of incontinence following prostate surgery: urge incontinence and stress incontinence.

“I have to go now!” Urge incontinence occurs when there is a strong urge to urinate followed by urine leakage. The strong urge to urinate usually indicates an overactive bladder. The prostate is located below the bladder, around the urethra. Some prostate conditions involve slow growth of the prostate resulting in narrowing of the urethra. The bladder must contract strongly to empty through a narrow urethra. This can cause the bladder to become irritable. Unfortunately, in some cases, the bladder remains irritable after the urethra is opened with a prostatectomy.

There are several conservative treatments for urgency. Bladder training involves urinating in the toilet on a timed schedule. Techniques are used to avoid urinating too often. Pelvic floor muscle exercise can also help relax the bladder. Some types of fluid (i.e. caffeine and pop) also irritate the bladder and should be eliminated from the diet. A combination of treatments is usually most helpful.

“Every time I sneeze, I leak” Stress incontinence occurs when certain movements, coughing, sneezing or lifting results in urine leakage due to increased pressure (stress) on top of the bladder. The prostate surrounds the urethra and supports it to help control urination. After a prostatectomy the pelvic floor muscle is the major structure preventing leakage. And sometimes it’s not up to the challenge.

Treatment for stress incontinence includes pelvic floor muscle exercise and learning ways to improve your posture and body mechanics to decrease pressure on the bladder during daily activities. These exercises may be difficult to learn which is why men after having a surgical prostatectomy can benefit greatly from physical therapy treatment with a pelvic floor therapist. Pelvic floor therapists can not only help men regain their continence but also improve their quality of life after a prostatectomy.

Specialized treatment for bladder dysfunction for men is available from Allied Services. For men and women of all ages, incontinence, pelvic pain and pelvic dysfunction can negatively affect their quality of life. Seeking treatment doesn’t have to be embarrassing, and with the expertise, technology, and specialized rehab programs available at Allied Services Integrated Health System, you can resume your normal life as quickly as possible.

Click here to learn more about pelvic rehab at Allied Services.

To schedule an appointment call 570.348.1360.

About the Author: Megan Horeis, PT, DPT, WCS. Megan’s primary for the past 20 years has been treating men and women with pelvic floor disorders and diagnoses associated with the pelvic floor. She treats patients at Allied Services Luger Scranton Rehab Center. Megan earned a Masters in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College in 1996. She earned a Transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Scranton in 2010. Megan is board certified by the American Physical Therapy Association as a Women’s Certified Specialist.