Men who undergo treatment for prostate cancer, whether it’s radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, or brachytherapy, frequently experience urinary incontinence. For example, the external sphincter, which controls the flow of urine, often does not function properly in men after they have undergone radical prostatectomy, especially in the early weeks after surgery. This malfunction of the sphincter can result in stress incontinence when pressure is placed on the abdominal area, which can occur when you laugh, sneeze, lift objects, or during sexual activity.
Urinary incontinence can also occur when men undergo radiation therapy. In this case, urine leakage is associated with bladder irritation and not stress. Men who undergo brachytherapy may develop a swollen prostate, which can in turn press against the urethra and cause temporary urinary incontinence. Only about 1 percent of men who have brachytherapy experience urinary incontinence.
The severity and duration of urinary incontinence that follows prostatectomy, radiation therapy, or brachytherapy varies greatly depending on a man’s age, presence of other medical issues, and the type of treatment he received. Urinary incontinence may take a year or longer to resolve. Men who are planning to undergo any of these procedures for prostate cancer should talk to their doctor about the possibility of urinary incontinence before they undergo these treatments.
See also
Vitamin A, Carotenoids Reduce Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
7 Natural Ways to Treat Urinary Incontinence
Incontinence after Surgery for BPH
Biofeedback may help incontinence after prostate cancer treatment
