Urinary incontinence is one of the most common side effects of prostate surgery. While most patients regain total bladder control, almost all patients do experience a period of incontinence immediately after the surgery. Various exercises, including kegels and walking, can speed the return of urinary continence after your prostate surgery.
Regular Exercise
Research cited by the Prostate Cancer Foundation found an association between regular exercise and the recovery of urinary continence after prostate surgery. The 2010 study found that among 165 men who had their prostate removed, those who were not obese and were getting regular exercise before surgery had the lowest prevalence of long-term urinary incontinence. Active men, defined as those who exercised at least one hour a week, had a long-term incontinence rate of 16 percent. Obese, sedentary men had a rate of 41 percent.
Walking
Exercises that help patients recover continence after surgery usually focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. The Florida Hospital Global Robotics Institute recommends walking for patients recovering from robotic prostate surgery, a technique in which surgeons remove the prostate gland with robotic assistance. Walking and performing other gentle exercises regularly also helps strengthen the pelvic floor.
Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles were invented by Dr. Arnold Kegel. A 2010 study cited by the American Cancer Society found that men who were taught how to perform Kegel exercises before and after surgery were more likely to regain continence three months after surgery. Thirty-eight men recovering from radical prostatectomy were either taught how to perform Kegel exercises before and after surgery or not given any formal instruction. Similar numbers of patients from both groups recovered function after one year. However, patients that were taught how to perform Kegel exercises recovered, on average, one month earlier than men in the control group.
How to Perform Kegel Exercises
The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute recommends practicing Kegel exercises before and after prostatectomy once all catheters have been removed. To perform a kegel exercise, pretend you are trying to stop the flow of urine or the passing of gas. Tighten these muscles for a few seconds while keeping your abdominal, thigh and buttock muscles relaxed. The Florida Hospital Global Obotics Institute recommends recovering prostate surgery patients perform this exercise 300 times a day.
References
- Prostate Cancer Foundation; Exercise May Prevent Incontinence from Prostate Surgery; Amy Norton
- American Cancer Society: Exercises Speed Return of Bladder Control After Prostate Surgery
- Florida Hospital Global Robotics Institute: Incontinence After Prostate Surgery
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute: Prostate Cancer Information
