Prostate cancer is one of the leading cancers in men. In fact, more than 3 million men in America are living with prostate cancer right now, and 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed at some point.
Remarkably, prostate cancer is more common among men than colon, kidney, skin, and stomach cancer combined. The good news is that prostate cancer can be treated — especially when caught early.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Trouble urinating
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Painful urination or ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Bone pain
- Frequent urination
- Pelvic pain
- Pain when sitting
Be aware that in the early stages, most people don’t experience any symptoms — that’s why screening starting at age 50 is so important. Another thing to keep in mind is that many symptoms of prostate cancer are consistent with other conditions, so you’ll want to talk with your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment options
Patients are often surprised to learn that direct intervention isn’t always the first step. Physicians advise many patients to take a “wait-and-see” approach since prostate cancer is typically slow-growing, and some treatments have side effects that outweigh their benefits.
If you do decide to treat your prostate cancer, you can take comfort in knowing today’s treatments are highly effective. Among the most common is the removal of the prostate, also known as a prostatectomy.
Prostate surgery
Prostate surgery involves removing all or part of the prostate gland, depending on your particular condition. There are different types of procedures your doctor may choose, all usually requiring a short hospital stay and limited activity for a time afterward.
When the prostate is removed, it also removes one of the two sphincters responsible for controlling the flow of urine. Although one valve is usually enough, the remaining urinary sphincter may sustain damage, resulting in difficulty controlling urine. Additionally, the bladder muscles may be affected in some cases. With patience and treatment, most men will recover from incontinence due to prostate removal, though a small percentage may have longer-lasting symptoms.
Post-prostate surgery incontinence
Luckily, there are many ways to treat and manage incontinence following prostate surgery, and most men find that they regain control within a few months.
- Absorbent products: Disposable or reusable absorbent products are a leading choice because they tend to fit and feel like normal underwear.
- Pelvic floor exercises: Also known as Kegels, these help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and the urethra.
- Biofeedback: Through the use of sensors placed on your body, you can teach yourself to control your muscles using visual and auditory cues.
- Medications: There are medicines to help relax the muscles in the prostate and the bladder neck to improve urine flow and reduce leakage, as well as others that can help reduce the urge to urinate.
- Surgery: For some men, surgery may be necessary to treat incontinence after prostate surgery. Surgery can involve the implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter, the placement of a urethral sling to support the urethra, or the use of a bulking agent that is injected into the tissue surrounding the urethra to help close it.
Incontinence after prostate surgery is common, but it can be managed. If you’re experiencing incontinence after prostate surgery, talk to your doctor to determine the best course of action.
To learn more, visit the National Association for Continence, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with bowel and bladder dysfunction.
