Urinary control problems after prostate removal can be embarrassing, especially if you do not make it to the restroom in time when an urge strikes. Urinary control exercises can help you to be more aware of incontinence episodes. They also strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can help improve urinary control.
Methods
Several exercises can help you improve urinary control. Perform Kegel exercises, where you contract the pelvic muscles for about 10 seconds as if you are stopping urine flow, as often as 20 times a day. Practice bladder-retraining exercises, such as forcing yourself to hold in your urine for about one hour despite any urges or leakage. Gradually increase the length of time that you hold your urine with this exercise.
Tips
Practice urinary control exercises anywhere, such as when you are standing in line, sitting at your desk at work or watching television before bedtime. Although you can exercise at any time of the day, do urinary control exercises at the same time each day so that you do not forget to do them. To intensify the exercise, hold your knees slightly apart while you contract the pelvic floor muscles.
Considerations
You will not notice results or improvements right away. It can take as long as 12 weeks to develop any changes to your urine control. Don't stop doing urinary control exercises. To make it easier for you, play comforting music while you exercise. Don't stop exercising even after you have achieved the desired results or you may experience urine leakage once again.
Warnings
Do not ignore urinary control problems after prostate removal. Leakage can cause serious social and psychological complications and embarrassment, especially if you are not able to get to a bathroom in time. Seek medical attention if urine control problems are chronic, severe or are accompanied by discomfort in the pelvic area or a burning sensation. These could be symptoms of a more serious complication such as an infection.
