by Dianna Malkowski, physician assistant and registered dietitian
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, second only to skin cancer. The great news is, it often can be treated successfully.
More than 2 million men in the U.S. count themselves as prostate cancer survivors, according to the American Cancer Society. Although men with early prostate cancer often have no symptoms, more advanced cancer cases sometimes problems urinating or holding in urine, erectile dysfunction, blood in the urine, weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, or pain in the spine, hips, ribs or other bones.
When cancer has not spread to other organs, surgery is often used to treat it, and up to half of men will experience bladder leakage following prostate surgery. Incontinence following prostate surgery, while often temporary, can disrupt a man’s quality of life and cause anxiety, isolation and embarrassment.
Learning to live with urinary incontinence often is a multifaceted approach. There is no one right way to deal with it — the key is to find the best approach for each individual. That may mean a combination of using the right absorbent products, strengthening exercises, bladder retraining and medication.
A urologist may prescribe any combination of the following treatments:
1. Absorbent products come in an array of styles and absorbencies to fit every lifestyle. Active men who want something as close to regular underwear as possible can choose from washable, reusable briefs or premium disposable briefs like look and feel like cloth underwear. Those who need more absorbency can choose from guards, undergarments, underwear, adult diapers and more.
2. Kegel exercises, when performed regularly, tone and strengthen the muscles responsible for holding in urine. Starting Kegels before a radical prostatectomy may result in quicker recovery of bladder control. Kegels are performed by tightening only the pelvic muscles, while keeping abdominal, thigh and buttock muscles relaxed. A doctor will prescribe the correct number of frequency, sets and repetitions.
3. Bladder retraining, or learning to urinate on a set schedule, can be an effective treatment once pain is under control. A health care provider will develop a bladder retraining program that may include keeping a diary and working up to going longer periods between voiding.
4. Medication may be prescribed based on an individual’s type of incontinence. A man with stress incontinence — the most common type following prostate surgery and characterized by leakage when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising — may be prescribed decongestants to tighten the urethra muscles. One with urge incontinence — when an overactive bladder contracts without warning — may be treated with anticholinergic drugs that block messages to bladder nerves and prevent spasms.
5. In cases where incontinence persists longer than 18 months, treatment options may include collagen injections, a catheter or surgery.
Further Reading:
How Many Men Feel Following Prostate Surgery
Prostate Cancer Symptoms: The Signs of Prostate Cancer
Dianna Malkowski is a board-certified physician assistant and registered dietitian specializing in diabetes, cancer, wound healing, therapeutic diets and nutrition support. She serves on the board of professional advisers for The CareGiver Partnership and enjoys working with patients and caregivers alike. Ask Dianna a question or call 1-800-985-1353.
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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.
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