Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence means having trouble controlling your bladder. It can range from a few drops of leakage to stronger urges or difficulty holding urine. Many men experience some degree of incontinence after prostate cancer treatment—especially surgery—and it’s one of the most common concerns men talk about in support groups.
The good news: most men improve significantly over time, and many regain full control.
Why Incontinence Happens
After Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)
The prostate sits right next to the urinary sphincter—the muscle that controls urine flow. Removing the prostate can temporarily weaken or irritate the sphincter and surrounding nerves.
Most men see gradual improvement over 6–12 months, and some continue improving for up to 2 years.
After Radiation (EBRT or Brachytherapy)
Radiation can irritate the bladder and urethra, causing urgency, frequency, or mild leakage.
For most men, symptoms are short-term, improving over weeks to months after treatment.
From Enlarged Prostate or Aging
Sometimes leakage or urgency is not from cancer treatment at all, but from benign prostate enlargement (BPH), overactive bladder, or age-related muscle changes.
Types of Incontinence in Men
1. Stress Incontinence
Leakage when coughing, laughing, standing up, lifting, or exercising.
Most common after surgery.
2. Urgency / Overactive Bladder
A sudden, strong need to urinate that’s hard to hold.
More common with radiation or BPH.
3. Mixed Incontinence
A combination of stress and urgency.
4. Post-Void Dribbling
A small amount of leakage after finishing urination.
Very common and usually improves with time.
Treatments & Ways to Improve It
Pelvic Floor (Kegel) Exercises
Strengthen the muscles that control urine flow
Most effective after prostate surgery
Ideally learned with a pelvic floor physiotherapist
Many men notice improvement within 6–8 weeks of consistent practice.
Medications
Depending on the cause:
For urgency/overactive bladder: anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists
For prostate enlargement: alpha-blockers
Your doctor can determine which (if any) are appropriate.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Limiting caffeine and alcohol
Avoiding late-evening fluids
Double voiding (urinating twice to empty fully)
Healthy weight and regular physical activity
These simple changes help many men reduce symptoms.
Pads or Guards
Modern pads are discreet and comfortable.
Many men use them during recovery and gradually phase them out.
Advanced Options (if symptoms persist)
For men with lasting stress incontinence after surgery:
Male sling (helps support the urethra)
Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) (gold-standard for moderate–severe leakage)
These options have high satisfaction rates.
Emotional Impact
Incontinence can affect confidence, social life, intimacy, and daily activities.
You’re not alone—this is something many men talk about openly in support groups like PROSTAID Calgary. Hearing how others managed it can bring reassurance and practical tips.
What Most Men Want to Know
Does it get better?
For most men, yes—often significantly.How long does recovery take?
Surgery: gradual improvement over months; many recover by 6–12 months.
Radiation: usually weeks to a few months.Is help available?
Yes—physiotherapy, medications, devices, surgery, and peer support.