Recovery after prostate surgery runs about twelve weeks, and it comes in stages. Here is what each stage looks like and what to do in it.
Most of the recovery happens in the first twelve weeks. Week one is the catheter. Then the leaking starts, and then it slowly gets better as you train the muscle that controls it.
This is an average timeline. Some men recover faster. Some take longer. Both are normal. Your surgeon's instructions come first, always.
Catheter in. Swelling. Discomfort. The fatigue is real.
Walk ten to fifteen minutes, two or three times a day. Rest. Stay hydrated. No lifting. Do not strain on the toilet. No pelvic floor exercises yet.
More on this week: The First Week After Prostate Surgery.
Dr. Meg Cochran, DPT shows the toilet posture that lets you go without straining.
The leaking starts. It is emotionally rough. It is also expected.
Once your doctor clears you, begin gentle pelvic floor activation: a short squeeze and lift, a few repetitions, a few times a day. Have male pads in the house before this day.
How to do it right: Kegel Exercises After Prostate Surgery.
You leak when you stand, cough, and move. That is the pattern at this stage.
Do the pelvic floor exercises every day. Add quick squeezes. Practice the Knack: squeeze first, then cough, then stand.
The full method: How to Stop Leaking After Prostate Surgery.
The leaking eases a little. You get some dry periods lying down.
Holds get longer. Seated exercises come in. Light walks get longer too.
Fewer pads. More confidence.
Standing holds. Light weights. Chipping and putting. Longer walks.
If nothing has improved by week eight, see a pelvic floor physical therapist. You may need hands-on help to be sure you are using the right muscle.
The dry periods get longer. Many men are dry through the night.
Exercises move into walking and bridges. Then a gradual return to full activity, as long as leaking keeps improving and your doctor has cleared you.
Sport by sport: When Can You Exercise After Prostate Surgery?
Improvement is not a straight line. A great week can be followed by a setback. That does not mean the exercises stopped working.
Stress, poor sleep, and illness can all bring more leaking for a while. Do not panic on a bad day.
Then you have a head start. Learn the muscle now, while nothing hurts.
Start here: Exercises to Do Before Prostate Surgery.
How to Stop Leaking After Prostate Surgery
Kegel Exercises After Prostate Surgery: How to Do Them Right
Exercises to Do Before Prostate Surgery
When Can You Exercise After Prostate Surgery? Walking, Lifting, Golf, Running
The First Week After Prostate Surgery: What to Expect
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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Want all twelve weeks and every exercise video? See the full Prostate Recovery Program, $295.