Incontinence After Prostate Surgery

Managing Incontinence After Prostate Surgery: Practical Advice

Incontinence is a common side effect after prostate surgery. When the prostate is removed or enlarged through surgery, bladder control can be affected. Leaks, dribbles, or an urgent need to go to the bathroom suddenly are disruptive problems many men face during recovery. 

Luckily, incontinence after prostate procedures is usually temporary. Most men regain continence within weeks or months with practical lifestyle adjustments and pelvic floor training. Therefore, implementing the following strategies can help manage incontinence after prostate surgery and restore normal bladder function. 

1. Follow Medical Guidance

Urinary Incontinence In Men

First and foremost, follow any guidance your doctor or healthcare team provides regarding activities, products and exercises to help manage incontinence post-surgery. They will likely recommend Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and biofeedback training to relearn bladder control. Medical experts may also advise temporarily using absorbent pads, protective undergarments or external catheters to contain leaks. Implementing their specific recommendations provides the most direct path to getting back incontinence control. So, communicate openly with your urologist and nurses to receive tailored advice.

Furthermore, don’t hesitate to ask questions and voice concerns to your medical providers. This is important, especially when discussing options for prescription medications or electrical stimulation that could aid in continence recovery. Thus, tracking and sharing details on leakage frequency, triggers, and bladder patterns is essential to help customize treatment plans.

Moreover, consider using bed pads through all supportive measures for managing leaks during the period. Inform your doctor or nurse if any of the suggestions above do not work and if the problem persists after the assumed timeline is passed. Transparent ongoing conversations with your healthcare team lead to the most effective plan for managing incontinence.

2. Use Protective Products

High-quality absorbent products like adult bed pads help contain leaks and preserve dignity while rebuilding continence. Pads designed for incontinence fasten securely inside underwear to absorb drips and more significant releases. Look for pads with quick-dry layers closest to the skin for comfort. Also absorbent underwear designed for incontinence also features waterproof built-in padding for discreet protection.

For more coverage, adult diapers and pull-up style underwear give the freedom to go about daily routines without worry of accidents. Just ensure proper fit so they don’t bunch or chafe. Temporary use of pads, bed pads for incontinence, and protective underwear helps men confidently get through the recovery process after prostate procedures.

Moreover, protect surfaces at home with waterproof mattress covers and chair pads as needed. While using pads or catheters may feel demoralizing at first, view them as temporary aids on the journey back to continence. High-quality products like disposable overnight diapers and bed pads lend confidence and peace of mind after prostate surgery.

3. Kegel Exercises 

Performing regular pelvic floor muscle (Kegel) exercises facilitates faster recovery of bladder control after surgery. Moreover, Kegels strengthen the muscles around the urethra, prostate and rectum to reduce leaks and urgency. Hence, practice contracting these muscles as if holding in the bladder. Repeat for sets of 10 contractions, storing 5 seconds each, throughout the day.

Furthermore, focus on engaging the muscles quickly and strongly. Maintaining diligent Kegel routines retrains neuromuscular connections for improved continence. Complement kegels with biofeedback for motivation and progress tracking. Regaining pelvic strength with Kegels is essential to managing incontinence after prostate surgery.  

 4. Bladder Training 

In addition to Kegel exercises, bladder training helps rebuild control. This involves scheduling bathroom breaks incrementally further apart to stretch the time between using the bathroom.  

For example, initially, go after every hour. When that becomes manageable, gradually increase to every 90 minutes. Slowly work up to 2-4 hour intervals between bathroom breaks. This trains the bladder to hold more without leakage. Also, disposable bed pads for adults can help manage leakage during bladder training. It also helps identify triggers and teach techniques to suppress sudden urges. For success, stay hydrated while pacing bathroom use. Bladder training takes time and commitment but effectively strengthens continence.

Use a bladder diary to track patterns and progress closely. Note fluid intake and bathroom trips. Record leakage episodes detailing activities and circumstances. Monitor associated factors like diet, stress and medications. This data helps optimize bladder training and reveals essential correlations. In addition, an overnight Diaper can help manage leakage while tracking bladder patterns.

Fluid Management After Prostate Surgery

5. Fluid Management

Managing fluid intake can minimize problematic leaks after prostate surgery. Below are ways you can manage your fluid intake.

  • Avoid drinking several hours before bedtime to keep the bladder empty.  
  • Cut back on diuretics like caffeine and alcohol, which stimulate leakage.  
  • However, stay hydrated by sipping water steadily throughout the day.  
  • Carry a water bottle for easy access to water or other fluids; while limiting fluids in specific scenarios alleviates urgency, staying hydrated is still necessary. So, find the correct fluid balance to reduce leaks while meeting water needs. 
  • Track intake and output details in a bladder diary to find your optimal hydration level: note times, types of liquids, and leakage episodes. 

Additionally, adjust and observe the effects on continence. Besides, individualize fluid patterns based on lifestyle factors like activity level. Increase hydration before exercise, then reduce intake well beforehand.

 6. Stay Active

While rest is essential after surgery, safely staying active quickens the road to continence. Regular walking strengthens pelvic muscles. Gentle core and cardio exercises improve muscle tone without taxing the bladder. However, avoid straining the abdomen and intense activity that could hinder healing early on. Ease back into exercise progressively under the doctor’s guidance. 

Moreover, light movement stimulates nerves involved in continence control. But stop immediately if leakage occurs and modify activities. With patience regaining strength and stamina, increased activity reintegrates the involved neuromuscular systems. Just take care not to overdo it.

Discuss realistic activity goals with your doctor and physical therapist. Start with short, gentle walks. Furthermore, try modified Pilates and yoga that avoids pressure on the core. Swimming and water workouts offer resistance with low impact.

Remember, light activity consistently is more beneficial than occasional overexertion. Slowly increasing movement builds the foundation to regain continence.

Stay Active After Prostate Surgery

Final Thoughts

Coping with incontinence after prostate surgery requires diligence, but its effects are temporary for most men. Being proactive by following medical advice, using protective products and strengthening pelvic muscles expedites the healing process. Gradually implementing bladder training, proper hydration, scheduled breaks, and light activity empowers men to manage leaks while rebuilding control. 

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