You have a date. The weeks before it are useful, and almost nobody tells men so. Here is what to learn, what to buy, and what to ask.
Training your pelvic floor before surgery is associated with fewer pads sooner, and most men are never told to do it.
The reason is simple. It is easier to learn a muscle while you are rested and not sore. Men who practice first are not starting from zero the week the catheter comes out.
It is not a guarantee of anything. Ask your surgeon whether there is any reason you should not do gentle pelvic floor work before your date. For most men the answer takes ten seconds.
Dr. Meg Cochran, DPT on training the pelvic floor before prostate surgery.
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat. Gently squeeze and lift, as if stopping the flow of urine. Picture it. Do not practice by stopping your stream on the toilet.
Hold two to three seconds. Release fully. Rest ten seconds. Repeat five times, three times a day.
Belly soft. Glutes relaxed. Keep breathing. Gentle beats hard.
Squeeze right before a cough, a sneeze, standing up, or lifting. Brace first, then act.
This is called the Knack. After surgery it is the skill you will use most. Learn it now and every cough between today and surgery day is a free repetition.
Take a slow belly breath in. Let the pelvic floor soften and drop. Breathe out easy.
Finish every session with five slow breaths. Relaxing matters as much as squeezing. A muscle that cannot let go cannot work well either.
Stop these exercises once you have the catheter. Restart when it is out and your surgeon clears you.
Male incontinence guards, not women's pads, and pull-up style underwear for the first heavy weeks.
A waterproof mattress protector.
Loose, dark, soft clothing.
A small toilet stool, flushable wipes, and the stool softener your surgical team recommends.
Buy it all before surgery day. You will not want to shop the week you come home.
How long will my catheter stay in?
When can I restart pelvic floor exercises?
What leaking should I expect the first month, and when should I call?
What are my lifting and activity limits?
Who do I call, day or night?
How to Stop Leaking After Prostate Surgery
Kegel Exercises After Prostate Surgery: How to Do Them Right
When Can You Exercise After Prostate Surgery? Walking, Lifting, Golf, Running
The First Week After Prostate Surgery: What to Expect
Recovery After Prostate Surgery: A Week-by-Week Guide
Pads for Men After Prostate Surgery: What to Buy and How to Leave the House
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy After Prostate Surgery: Do You Need It?
Kegel Exercises for Men: How to Do Them Right
Dr. Meg Cochran is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation, and treats men after prostate surgery through Where You Are Physical Therapy in Oxford, Mississippi.
This article is educational and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a substitute for in-person care. Follow your surgical team's instructions. If you have urgent symptoms including severe pain, fever, unexpected bleeding, or a sudden change in function, contact your healthcare provider.
The first week after prostate surgery, written out step by step by Dr. Meg. What to do with the catheter in. What to skip. What to have in the house. Enter your email and it opens right away.
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Educational content. Not medical advice.
The Prostate Recovery Quick Start is Dr. Meg showing you the first exercises on video, from before surgery through week 4, with the two sheets to print. Open it on any phone, tablet, or computer, from anywhere. It is educational, not physical therapy.
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