Do prostate surgery side effects include incontinence?
About half of men under the age of 60, and up to 90% of men over the age of 80, will deal with prostate issues. If you’re suffering from an enlarged prostate—whether it’s the result of aging or another medical issue—you may already be living with urinary leaks. A common concern among men considering surgical treatment is the possibility that the prostate surgery side effects will be as unpleasant as having an enlarged prostate. Unfortunately, sometimes this is the case.rnrn rnrnTo understand what to expect after prostate surgery, it’s helpful to know how the male bladder works. When the kidneys create urine, it is stored inside the bladder until your brain sends your body a signal that it’s time to urinate. Once your bladder receives this message, the muscles in the walls of the bladder contract, forcing urine into the urethra. The muscles that surround the urethra will then relax, allowing urine to flow out the penis.rnrn rnrnThe prostate gland wraps around the urethra; this is why enlargement can obstruct the flow of urine, causing leakage and a variety of other issues. Of course, performing treatment on this small and sensitive area is a delicate matter. Whether an enlarged prostate is removed through surgery or radiation therapy, treatment can damage the nerves that help to control bladder function. If you’re about to undergo treatment, you should expect your prostate surgery side effects to include some level of urinary incontinence. New treatment techniques can help ensure that these issues are temporary, and that you regain full bladder control over time.rnrn rnrnDuring your recovery, your doctor may ask you to develop a Kegel practice—more about that here. To ensure that your confidence level is high in spite of any prostate surgery side effects, be prepared with men’s incontinence products such as booster pads or disposable underwear. Not sure which product is right for you? Take our interactive quiz now to find your perfect fit.
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