Prostate cancer and urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence can be a distressing side effect of prostate cancer and its treatments. This can greatly affect daily life and emotional well-being for those living with it, and their loved ones.
As it’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we’re going to shed some light on this sensitive topic, offering understanding and practical solutions. We'll explore how prostate cancer can impact bladder control and provide valuable tips for managing it effectively.
Whether you're facing this challenge yourself or supporting a loved one, our friendly and professional guidance will empower you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle it head-on.
- Types of Urinary Incontinence Associated with Prostate Cancer
- Stress Incontinence
- Urge Incontinence
- Overflow Incontinence
- Treatment and Management
- Medical Treatments and Surgeries
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Choosing the Right Incontinence Products
- Factors to Consider (Absorption, Discretion, and Comfort)
- Product Recommendations (Pads, Guards, and Protective Underwear)
Types of urinary incontinence associated with prostate cancer
Prostate cancer and its treatments can lead to different types of urinary incontinence, including:
Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence is when physical movements or activities put pressure on your bladder, causing urine to leak. These can include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Lifting
- Exercising
In the case of prostate cancer, stress incontinence can also be a result of surgeries like prostatectomy that weaken the tissues and muscles around the bladder and urethra.
Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence is often seen as a sudden, intense urge to urinate, followed by an involuntary loss of urine. For prostate cancer patients and survivors, it can be caused by irritation of the bladder, possibly due to cancer treatment or nerve damage.
Overflow Incontinence
Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder doesn't empty completely, leading to dribbles. It is often due to a blockage in the urinary tract or weakened bladder muscles, both common in prostate cancer.
How is cancer-related incontinence treated and managed?
Treating and managing cancer-related incontinence involves using different methods customised for each person's situation, aiming to make the condition easier to handle.
Medical treatments and surgeries
Treatments can range from medications that help control bladder function to surgeries designed to alleviate incontinence, some of which have shown promising results.
For instance, the artificial urinary sphincter is a device implanted to control urine flow, acting like a natural sphincter.
A male sling procedure, on the other hand, involves inserting a supportive sling around the urethra to lift it and apply pressure, helping to prevent leakage.
Pelvic floor exercises
Pelvic floor exercises, or Kegel exercises, are a non-invasive way to strengthen the muscles that support bladder control. Regular practice of these exercises can notably improve symptoms of incontinence. They involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, which can be easily done at home.
Which incontinence products are best for me?
If you’ve been looking at incontinence products to help manage your symptoms, it can be difficult to know which is best for your personal use. Here is a breakdown of the main incontinence products millions of men use worldwide.
Pads
Incontinence pads are perfect for light to moderate incontinence often experienced post-treatment. They are discreet, comfortable, and come in various sizes and absorbencies, making them suitable for different preferences.
Pull-up pants/protective underwear
Specifically designed for men, pull-ups and protective underwear offer a secure fit, effectively managing moderate to heavy incontinence with their unique shape. Resembling regular underwear, they provide maximum absorbency while maintaining a discreet appearance. Their comfortable fit allows for freedom of movement without the worry of leaks
Living well with prostate cancer and incontinence
Living with prostate cancer and urinary incontinence is challenging, but it's also manageable. By embracing a positive outlook and taking steps to maintain your dignity and independence, you can continue to lead a fulfilling life.
If you're struggling with urinary incontinence related to your diagnosis or treatment, and are looking for cost-effective solutions that improve your comfort and dignity, look no further than Drylife pads from Incontinence Shop.
Our incontinence pads and pants offer reliable protection that minimises discomfort and maximises discretion.
And for prices lower than supermarket costs, Incontinence Shop is your best choice. What's more, if you subscribe to your incontinence product of choice, you can enjoy 10% off every order and convenient doorstep delivery.
