Urinary Incontinence After Prostate Surgery: How Long Does It Last and What Are the Solutions?

Summary

1. Why am I experiencing urinary leaks after my prostate surgery?

2. How long will my urinary leaks last?

3. How can I speed up my recovery?

4. What practical solutions can I use during my recovery period?

5. What if incontinence persists after one year?

6. Conclusion: Regain confidence and freedom

The complete guide to understanding, recovering, and regaining confidence

 

Undergoing a prostatectomy is a major step in a man’s life. After the operation, many men experience an often unexpected side effect: urinary leaks.

It can feel confusing or even embarrassing at first. However, this situation is completely normal — and, in most cases, temporary.

This article explains why these leaks occur after prostate removal, how long they usually last, how to speed up recovery, and what practical solutions can help you stay comfortable and confident during recovery.

 

Why am I experiencing urinary leaks after my prostate surgery?

After a prostatectomy, your body needs time to regain balance.

The prostate plays a mechanical role in the urinary system — it surrounds the urethra, the canal that carries urine from the bladder.

When the prostate is removed, some structures that help control urination are affected:

• The internal sphincter, which is partially removed during surgery

• The external sphincter, which remains but may be weakened

• The pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and maintain continence

In the first few weeks, these muscles and tissues must relearn how to work together. That’s why leaks occur — it’s a normal part of the healing process, not a sign that something went wrong.

 

How long will my urinary leaks last?

This is one of the most common questions men ask after prostate surgery — and the answer is reassuring.

In most cases, leaks gradually decrease and often disappear completely over time.

Typical recovery timeline:

• Weeks 1–4: frequent leaks, especially during effort or when standing

• Months 1–3: progressive improvement as muscles strengthen

• Months 3–6: continence is mostly restored

• Months 6–12: complete recovery for 60–80% of men

Recovery time may vary depending on:

• Age

• The surgical technique used

• The pre-operative health of the sphincter

• The consistency of pelvic floor exercises

If leaks persist after 12 months, don’t lose hope — there are effective options like specialized physiotherapy, medication, or minor surgical procedures that can help.

 

How can I speed up my recovery?

The best way to recover faster is through pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation

Usually started a few weeks after catheter removal, this therapy helps you regain muscle control.

A specialized physical therapist teaches you how to contract the right muscles — the pelvic floor muscles — that control your bladder.

A few sessions often help you feel improvement, but consistency is key. Continue doing Kegel exercises at home two to three times a day.

Kegel exercises at home

• Contract your pelvic floor muscles for 5 to 10 seconds, then relax

• Repeat 10 times, three times a day

• Gradually increase the duration of each contraction

Most men notice progress after 4–6 weeks, and lasting results after 2–3 months.

 

Other helpful techniques

• Biofeedback: helps you visualize contractions for better control

• Electrical stimulation: reactivates weakened muscles

• Regular follow-ups: allow your doctor to track progress

 

Lifestyle tips

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Avoid intense physical effort in the first weeks

• Stay hydrated but avoid overdrinking

• Limit coffee, alcohol, and spicy food that irritate the bladder

By combining exercise, patience, and healthy habits, you can recover faster and more comfortably.

 

What practical solutions can I use during my recovery period?

Even though leaks are temporary, they can affect your confidence in everyday life. Having the right protection helps you stay active and at ease.

Understanding your needs

Post-surgery leaks are usually light to moderate, so the goal is not just absorption — it’s maintaining comfort and dignity.

 

Choosing the right protection

Disposable pads are convenient but can be uncomfortable over time — plastic feel, odor, waste, and recurring cost.

Orykas absorbent underwear offers a modern, eco-friendly, and more comfortable alternative.

Designed by urologists, they combine effectiveness and discretion:

• Absorbs up to 10 fl oz of liquid

• Made with soft, breathable bamboo fiber

• Machine washable and reusable up to 500 times

• Antibacterial and hypoallergenic

• Looks and feels like regular underwear

For men seeking a thinner, elegant option, the Orykas absorbent brief is ideal — especially when returning to daily activities.

 

What if incontinence persists after one year?

If leaks haven’t resolved after 12 months, consult your urologist. Several additional solutions exist:

• Reinforced pelvic floor therapy

• Medication

• Minor surgical procedures like sling placement or artificial sphincter implantation

These approaches have excellent success rates and can help men fully regain continence.

Persistent incontinence is not the end — modern medicine provides effective, long-term solutions.

 

Conclusion: regain confidence and freedom

Incontinence after prostatectomy is a temporary phase, not a permanent problem.

Most men regain full bladder control within a few months thanks to rehabilitation, patience, and proper support.

During recovery, Orykas absorbent underwear allows you to stay calm, active, and confident — without sacrificing comfort or style.

Your body simply needs time to heal — and with the right steps and tools, you’ll get back to living freely and confidently again.