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Exercises for Incontinence After Prostectomy

A prostectomy (also called prostatectomy) is the complete removal of the prostate. This is required as a method of prostate cancer treatment for some patients. Temporary or permanent incontinence is one of the common side effects of a prostectomy. However, men can do certain exercises to get urine control back. While this won't work in every case, UPMC Cancer Centers reports that doing the exercises is often successful in helping regain control of the bladder muscles.

  1. Prostectomy and Incontinence

    • Urinary incontinence is defined as the inability to prevent leakage or dribbling of urine from the bladder. Incontinence after prostate surgery is not always a given. In some patients it happens, and in others it does not. For those whom incontinence does affect, the problem normally subsides and corrects itself within three years. Doing simple exercises can speed up this recovery process.

    Kegel Exercises

    • The kegel muscle controls the flow of urine in both men and women. A strong kegel muscle will help facilitate a quicker recovery in regard to incontinence after the prostectomy. You can locate this muscle during urination and begin to strengthen the muscle before the scheduled prostectomy. To strengthen the kegel muscle, first identify it by stopping the flow of urine while you are trying to void. If you are successful at doing so, muscle you were using while you stopped the urine was the kegel muscle. Strengthen this muscle by pinching it tight, holding for as long as possible, and then letting go. Repeat the process of pinching, holding, and releasing 10 times in a row. Not only can these exercises help with incontinence after surgery, but they can help with incontinence that occurs for a number of other reasons as well. Continue doing these kegel exercises to strengthen the muscle until you can hold for a 10-second count.

    Pelvic Floor Exercises

    • According to The Bladder and Bowel Foundation, the pelvic floor is defined as muscle layers stretched from the pubic bone to the backbone. This is the muscle that supports the anus and urinary tract activities. Pelvic floor exercises are very similar to kegel exercises. You should sit, stand, or lie in a comfortable position to begin. From there, you must tighten your pelvic floor. You can do this by doing what you normally would do to hold back the release of gas. To do these exercises properly, you must ensure you are not moving or using unnecessary parts of their body to achieve the tightness.

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