What Prostate Surgery Does to Your Bladder
The prostate wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine. Removing or treating the prostate involves working around that anatomy. The surgery stretches or damages nerves and muscles that control bladder closure. The result is temporary incontinence while those structures heal.
Your body has amazing ability to recover. Many men regain control on their own. But some need help. This is where pelvic floor PT becomes valuable.
The Recovery Timeline
Most men leak immediately after surgery. You'll wear pads for a while. By week two, leaking usually improves. By six weeks, many men have regained control. By three months, most are mostly or completely dry. But if you're still leaking significantly at three months, that's the time to start PT rather than waiting longer.
Why Starting PT Early Helps
Prehab before surgery strengthens your pelvic floor before it's challenged. This shortens recovery time significantly. Even starting PT after surgery, within the first few weeks, helps. Your body learns faster when you're actively engaging those muscles. Waiting too long means your nervous system has adapted to not controlling the muscles, which takes longer to retrain.
How Men's Pelvic Floor PT Works
Dr. Meg teaches you to identify your pelvic floor muscles. For men, these are the muscles between the anus and scrotum. You'll learn to contract them deliberately, hold for increasing durations, and relax fully. This sounds simple, but it's a learned skill. She'll progress you gradually, teaching you how to use these muscles during daily activities like coughing, sneezing, or transitioning from sitting to standing.
The In-Home Advantage for Men
Let's be honest: many men feel awkward discussing incontinence in a clinic. In-home therapy eliminates that. You're in your own space, fully private. You can ask any question without embarrassment. This comfort often leads to better engagement and faster results. No waiting rooms, no awkward eye contact with other patients.
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You don't have to live with incontinence after surgery. Whether you're two weeks post-op or six months out, PT can help. Schedule a free discovery call with Dr. Meg to discuss your situation and what's possible.