WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER PROSTATE SURGERY

Around 6 to 8% of men experience incontinence after prostate surgery, the degree of incontinence varies between each individual. The good news is that incontinence can be treated post-surgery. Even if your bladder control doesn’t go back to how it was before, your incontinence can still be helped and managed. Normally, after surgery bladder control returns within several weeks or months although sometimes symptoms can last between 6 to 12 months. Over time, the majority of men eventually regain bladder control to the same level it was prior to surgery.

For reference, the prostate is located below the bladder and around the urethra. Incontinence can occur by removing the prostate or using radiation to treat prostate cancer. This can cause damage to the nerves and muscles of the bladder, urethra or sphincter. These areas control the passage of urine from the bladder which can result in urinary incontinence.  

Doctors are unable to predict how a man’s incontinence will be affected after prostate surgery however, men who are older generally have more incontinence problems than younger men. Incontinence can vary between light dribbles to losing control and doesn’t just affect you physically, but also emotionally and socially. Although incontinence can feel scary and daunting, there are many resources, treatments and products available for men battling this exact issue.

Types and levels of severity of incontinence after prostate surgery:

1. Stress Incontinence

Urine leaks when exerting pressure on your bladder. E.g., when you: sneeze, cough, laugh, exercise, jump or do heavy lifting. This type of incontinence is the most common after prostate surgery and occurs when problems arise with the valve that keeps urine in the bladder (the bladder sphincter). Prostate cancer treatments can damage this valve or the nerves that keep it working.

2. Urge incontinence

Your bladder feels the sudden urge to urinate without warning (in most case large amounts). This occurs when your bladder becomes sensitive to stretching as it fills with urine. You may find that you need to urinate often including throughout the night.

3. Overflow incontinence

You take a long time to urinate and your bladder continuously leak/dribbles due to being unable to empty properly. This is usually caused by a blockage or narrowing of the bladder outlet by the scar tissue.

4. Continuous incontinence

You lose all ability to control urine. This rarely occurs after prostate surgery.

There are three types of Veeda products that can help you overcome your incontinence and feel the best version of yourself post-surgery. Veeda sell natural, hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested incontinence liners, pads and underwear made specifically for incontinence. 

1. Incontinence liners

Veeda natural incontinence liners have been dermatologically tested and are designed for light bladder leaks to offer premium support and a quality fit. For daily incontinence needs, they are free from harmful chemicals and made with natural ingredients meaning they are safe for everyday use. Veeda liners are uni-sex, ultra-thin, reliable and leak proof giving you coverage you can depend on!

1. Petite-lite liners(for light days)
2. Lite liners(for light days)
3. Lite-long liners(for moderate flow)

2. Incontinence pads

Veeda natural ultra-thin incontinence pads are one of the best pads to use after prostate surgery. They are safe for sensitive skin whilst offering day and night protection to support men and women with moderate bladder leaks. Containing only natural ingredients that are hypoallergenic and have been dermatologically tested, Veeda incontinence pads for men are sure to be the coverage you can count on. Designed to be discreet so you can live freely without fear of bladder leakages!

1. Moderate pads(for moderate flow)
2. Maximum pads with wings (for heavy flow, nighttime)

3. Incontinence underwear

Veeda pull up incontinence underwear are extra absorbent men’s briefs which provide discreet and reliable protection to support a leak-proof lifestyle. Our disposable underwear is ultra thin with anti-leakage cuffs and perforated sides for easy removal with wicking fabric that draws moisture away from the skin and masks urine odor leaving you dry and comfortable all day long. Men’s bladder control underwear fits like real underwear and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals so is safe for everyday use and won’t irritate your skin.

Sizing:

1. Small/medium underwear
2. Large underwear
3. Extra-large underwear

Protect yourself knowing that Veeda provides you with anti-leak products that are comfortable, discreet and safe for everyday use. Shop with Veeda today and feel comfortable making a choice that is better for your body and better for the planet. CLICK HERE to shop

Additional Resources

American Cancer society. (2019). Surgery for prostate cancer.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treating/surgery.html

National Association for Continence. (n.d.). Urinary incontinence after prostate surgery: everything you need to know. https://www.nafc.org/bhealth-blog/urinary-incontinence-after-prostate-surgery-everything-you-need-to-know