Prostate surgery
Bladder problems are a common side effect of prostate surgery. Most men regain their bladder control over time and are fully recovered within 6-12 months, however pelvic floor muscle exercises are key to this.
Increased pelvic floor muscle fitness can speed up a man’s bladder control following radical prostatectomy and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). It can also provide relief from post micturition dribble – commonly referred to as ‘after dribble’ – which is the loss of a small amount of urine after emptying the bladder.
Performing pelvic floor muscle exercises before and after prostate surgery is vital to your recovery as it is these muscles that help control your bladder. Doing these exercises straight after surgery – whilst a urinary catheter is in place – can irritate the bladder and cause discomfort. It is therefore recommended that you do not do any pelvic floor muscle exercises during this time. However, once the catheter is removed you may start the pelvic floor exercises straight away.
For further information visit a continence professional or contact the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66.
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