The prostate gland is located under the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that causes this gland to get larger. One treatment for this problem is a surgical procedure known as a radical prostatectomy.
Causes
The Mayo Clinic reports that urinary incontinence is a complication of prostate cancer treatment. During a radical prostatectomy, the prostate gland and some organs around it are removed. In the process, the urinary sphincter can get damaged, and this may lead to urinary incontinence--a condition in which urine leaks out of the bladder. The sphincter is a muscle that controls the flow of urine out of the bladder.
Effects
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center explains that men affected by incontinence may be embarrassed to discuss the issue.
Treatment
Many prostate cancer surgery patients may regain bladder or urinary control after the procedure. For others doing Kegel exercises may help them regain urinary control. Kegel exercises involve tightening the muscles used to prevent urine flow and then relaxing them. Medications and surgery may also be used to treat this complication.
