Urinary Incontinence and the Prostate
Urinary incontinence, or colloquially a weak bladder in men, can have various causes. On the one hand, it is a typical sign of aging, and on the other hand, the removal of the prostate due to prostate cancer can cause urinary incontinence.
Most prostate cancer patients struggle with urinary incontinence as part of their disease. Incontinence often occurs immediately after prostate cancer treatment, usually because the prostate has been removed or damaged. Short-term incontinence after prostate cancer surgery often resolves over time, especially in younger men.
Short-term stress incontinence is also a problem after prostatectomy or radiation therapy in patients with advanced prostate cancer. As a male reproductive organ, the prostate is very susceptible to various incontinence-related problems, which can also include loss of erection.
Dribbling urine due to narrowing of the bladder outlet, e.g., due to an enlarged prostate. The bladder can no longer be completely emptied, even though the bladder is full, and residual urine remains. There is a risk of bladder or kidney infections if the bladder is not completely emptied, e.g., by catheterization.
Urinary incontinence caused by prostate cancer – what are the degrees of severity?
Regardless of the causes that may lead to urinary incontinence, there are three different degrees of severity that play an important role in selecting incontinence aids:
Post-void dribbling:
This refers to a few drops of urine that drip between bathroom visits. (Max. 100 ml in 4 hours)
Intermittent urinary incontinence:
This involves a regular amount of 200 ml being released involuntarily.
Continuous urinary incontinence:
In this case, urine leakage is over 200 ml or more within 4 hours and without control.
Urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction in prostate cancer - treatment options
Urinary incontinence caused by prostate surgery is not uncommon but can also be embarrassing and uncomfortable for men of all ages. Many products on the market promise to control incontinence, but how do you know which one works best? There is no cure for urinary incontinence. But there are various treatments that can help you manage it.
Incontinence clamps for prostate cancer
Incontinence clamps can be very effective. They can also help control urine leakage. There are various models on the market to choose from. One of the most important factors when buying an incontinence clamp is how it is attached to the penis and what adjustment options the clamp has regarding size. An easy closing and opening mechanism is also important. Above all, however, are wearing comfort and functionality when urinating. Our recommendation, the Dribblestop Incontinence Clamp
Erection aids after prostate cancer surgery
Men often suffer from erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery. In addition to drug therapies, medical erection aids are very helpful and effective. More information
Continence training
Bladder training with the creation of a voiding diary, where the affected person goes to the toilet at regular intervals to determine the correct bladder fullness before the urge to urinate sets in. Times are noted in the voiding diary to then determine the appropriate time for going to the toilet after consistent implementation. Pelvic floor training, see Incontinence Training DVD
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