Prostate cancer and urine leakage after surgery

Every year, 50,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Over 12,000 die as a result. A PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test is often used to help detect prostate problems, such as prostate cancer. Treatment for prostate cancer may include surgery, radiotherapy or medication, depending on the stage of the disease. For many men, a prostatectomy, which involves partial or complete removal of the prostate gland, is a common surgery.  

Following a prostatectomy can lead to incontinence, urinary retention, erectile dysfunction, changes in orgasm, lymphoedema and psychological impact. Urinary retention involves difficulty emptying the bladder completely, while urinary incontinence involves the involuntary loss of urine.

These complications arise because the muscles and nerves around the prostate, which are involved in controlling the bladder, can be damaged during surgery. Although many men recover after surgery, it may take some time for full bladder control to return. The degree of recovery varies, but often exercises or physiotherapy are needed to improve control.

It is important to note that urinary retention and incontinence are often temporary. Most men experience improvement in the months following surgery. In some cases, medication or devices such as incontinence underwear can be useful to improve quality of life while recovery continues.
Swaens has Men's boxers and Men's briefs with a special gusset that collects moisture, such as urine. Many customers with urinary incontinence or involuntary loss of urine use these men's Swaens models.