How to Become Continent Following Prostate Surgery

According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centers, stress incontinence is the most commonly seen type of incontinence after prostate surgery. This results in urine leakage from the bladder during any physical activity that causes it to be jarred or contracted. Simple activities like laughing or coughing can cause this. However, with time, patience, and dedication, alleviating this potentially embarrassing situation is possible through a combination of medication and exercise.

Instructions

• 1

  Identify the muscles involved in urinary incontinence before beginning an exercise program. Mentally locate these muscles by attempting to halt the flow of urine mid-stream the next time you are using the restroom. Stop and start the flow of urine several times to develop a mind-muscle connection with your pelvic floor. Next, move on to the practice of regular Kegel exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor that support the bladder and close the sphincters.

• 2

  Perform standard Kegel exercises by sitting on the edge of a chair (or while lying down on a bed or the floor). Breathe in deeply, and as you breathe out, contract the muscles of your pelvic floor and hold this contracting for the duration of your exhalation. Repeat this for a total of 10 to 20 reps to begin, working up gradually to multiple sets of 20 reps, performed both in the morning when you wake up and before you go to sleep at night.

• 3

  Ask your physician for prescription medications if you are still having issues with incontinence or if you are unable (or unwilling) to devote time to Kegel exercises. Medications such as anticholinergics or decongestants can help reduce incontinence episodes.