caret icon Back to all discussions

Incontinence

I had my prostate removed 1 year ago and am still incontinent. What are possible solutions?

  1. Have you been doing the Kegel exercises on a regular basis? Are you overdoing them? Both approaches can cause issues - I would suggest you speak with your urologist and ask what can help - there are a number of options depending on severity and your surgery - Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM)

    1. Kegels first. Then your URO may suggest (a) clamp, (b) AUS, (c) sling, (d) let more time pass, etc. Google all of them before meeting with him so you have some understanding before the appt. They've all got minuses and plusses. FWIW the clamp has lots more minuses. I'm in your boat plus three years, don't like it but it sure beats the alternative.

      1. I have heard about a device that gets implanted and it works like a on / off switch. Anyone know anything about that?

        1. that's the AMS (aka AUS) Artifical Uninary Sphincter.

        2. The AUS works well and know a few men who have gone that route and are pleased. Personally I would want to exhaust all of the other options prior to placing an artificial sphincter. You may want to ask about a sling as well. ... Dennis(Prostate-Cancer.net TEAM)

      2. It’s really important to find a physical therapist who is a pelvic floor specialist. I wish I’d done that Even BEFORE I had my radical prostatectomy, to prepare my muscles for it. The work they can do, and especially the exercises they can show you, will be the most helpful thing you can get,at least in my experience, for incontinence.
        Also, exercise…all sorts.
        Also, give yourself time! It may take a year and a half. In my case, with less than adequate physical therapy for over a year, it’s tak8ng me almost three years, it I’m finally doing it and three years later making substantial progress. But it’s easier and faster for most men than it was for me.

        Please read our rules before posting.