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Incontinence Post-Prostate Surgery
Undergoing prostate surgery can bring relief to men dealing with prostate issues like cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but it can also come with a challenging side effect: urinary incontinence. After prostate surgery, many men experience temporary or long-term difficulty controlling their bladder. While this can be a frustrating and sometimes embarrassing condition, the good news is that there are effective, non-surgical options available to manage and treat post-surgery incontinence.
At Lazare Urology, Dr. Jon Lazare offers a holistic, multi-modal approach to managing urinary incontinence following prostate procedures. By combining various treatment options, including pelvic floor therapy, PTNS (Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation), medications, and supportive devices, Dr. Lazare helps men regain control over their bladder function and improve their quality of life after surgery.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most effective methods for managing male urinary incontinence post-prostate surgery and how Dr. Lazare tailors these options to each patient’s specific needs.
What Causes Urinary Incontinence After Prostate Surgery?
Urinary incontinence is common after prostate surgery, especially procedures like prostatectomy, where the prostate gland is removed to treat cancer or other conditions. The prostate and surrounding muscles and tissues play a crucial role in controlling urination. During surgery, the nerves and muscles that support the bladder may be affected, leading to temporary or even long-term incontinence.
There are several types of incontinence that men may experience post-surgery:
- Stress incontinence: Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting something heavy.
- Urge incontinence: A strong, sudden urge to urinate, often followed by leakage.
- Overflow incontinence: Difficulty emptying the bladder completely, leading to dribbling.
The good news is that, while these symptoms can be discouraging, many treatments are available to help manage and improve bladder control.
Pelvic Floor Therapy: Strengthening the Core Muscles
One of the most effective and natural treatments for post-surgery incontinence is pelvic floor therapy. The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for supporting the bladder and controlling urination. After prostate surgery, these muscles may become weakened, making it harder to control the bladder.
Pelvic floor physical therapy involves exercises that target these muscles. A trained therapist works with the patient to teach them how to strengthen the pelvic floor through targeted exercises. These exercises, often called Kegel exercises, can help men regain control over their bladder, reduce leakage, and improve their overall quality of life.
At Lazare Urology, Dr. Lazare frequently recommends pelvic floor therapy for post-surgery patients, as it is non-invasive, effective, and helps restore natural bladder control over time. Patients typically work with a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic health to create a personalized exercise plan.
PTNS: A Gentle Nerve Stimulation Option
For men who have not seen significant improvement with pelvic floor therapy, PTNS (Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation) is another option. PTNS is a non-surgical treatment that uses gentle electrical pulses to stimulate the tibial nerve, which connects to the nerves controlling bladder function.
During PTNS, a small needle is placed near the ankle, and mild electrical impulses are sent through the tibial nerve. These pulses help calm overactive bladder signals, reducing symptoms of urgency and incontinence. PTNS can also improve the strength of the pelvic floor muscles, supporting better bladder control.
PTNS is typically administered in a series of office visits. Most patients start to see improvement after a few sessions, with noticeable results after 6–12 weeks of treatment. It’s a low-risk, minimally invasive therapy that can significantly reduce incontinence symptoms in many men.
Dr. Lazare may recommend PTNS for patients who are not responding well to other treatments or for those who prefer a non-medication-based approach.
Medications: Supporting Bladder Control
In some cases, medications may be necessary to help control urinary incontinence after prostate surgery. Medications for post-surgery incontinence generally work by relaxing the bladder muscles or reducing the frequency of bladder contractions. These medications may include:
- Anticholinergics: These drugs help reduce bladder spasms and urgency by blocking certain chemical signals in the bladder.
- Beta-3 agonists: These medications work by relaxing the bladder muscle and increasing its capacity to hold urine.
- Alpha-blockers: These drugs can help improve the flow of urine and reduce pressure on the bladder.
Dr. Lazare carefully considers each patient’s symptoms and medical history when prescribing medications, ensuring the treatment is safe and effective for each individual.
Supportive Devices: A Convenient Solution
In addition to therapies and medications, certain supportive devices can also help manage post-prostate surgery incontinence. One common device is the male incontinence pad or diaper, which helps absorb any leaks and provides extra protection during the day or night. These devices come in various absorbency levels, allowing men to find the best option for their needs.
There are also penile clamps that can help men manage stress incontinence by gently pressing on the urethra to prevent urine leakage. While these devices can be helpful, they are typically used in combination with other treatments like pelvic floor therapy or PTNS.
A Personalized Approach to Treatment
At Lazare Urology, Dr. Lazare takes a holistic, personalized approach to managing post-surgery incontinence. He understands that every patient’s recovery process is unique, and he works closely with each individual to create a treatment plan that meets their specific needs.
Dr. Lazare combines various therapies and treatments based on the patient’s symptoms, preferences, and lifestyle. Whether it’s a combination of pelvic floor therapy, PTNS, medications, or supportive devices, Dr. Lazare ensures that each patient receives comprehensive care to improve their bladder control and overall quality of life.
As a trusted urologist in Brooklyn, Dr. Lazare is committed to providing the best possible care to men recovering from prostate surgery. His goal is to help patients regain confidence and comfort in their daily lives.
Final Thoughts
Urinary incontinence after prostate surgery can feel overwhelming, but with the right treatment plan, it’s entirely manageable. Whether through pelvic floor therapy, PTNS, medications, or supportive devices, many men find significant improvement in their symptoms after surgery. Dr. Lazare’s multi-modal, personalized approach at Lazare Urology ensures that every patient has access to the most effective options available.
If you’re struggling with incontinence after prostate surgery, don’t lose hope. With the right care and support, you can regain control and get back to enjoying life again.
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