Post-Prostatectomy Leaking:
Pelvic Floor Therapy in Denver
Leaking after prostate surgery is common, and for most men it improves. How quickly often comes down to training the right muscles the right way. I use real-time ultrasound so you can see your pelvic floor working, before and after surgery.
Every visit is one-on-one with Dr. Caroline Gamwell, PT, DPT, PRPC. Not sure it’s right for you? Start with a free phone consult.
Common Signs
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Leaking when you cough, sneeze, lift or stand up
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Still needing pads months after surgery
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Leaking that gets worse as the day goes on
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Doing Kegels but not sure they’re working
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Surgery coming up and you want to be ready
Check with your urologist first if you have blood in your urine, burning or pain when you urinate, fever, a weak stream or trouble emptying your bladder.
Why Pelvic Floor PT Helps
What the research says
59%
continent at 3 months when training started before surgery
37%
continent at 3 months when training started after surgery
Randomized trial of 118 men having radical prostatectomy. At 1 month the gap was 44% vs 20%. Centemero A, et al. Eur Urol. 2010;57(6):1039–1043.
How I treat it
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See it, don’t guess. Real-time ultrasound shows whether you’re lifting the right muscles, or bearing down, bracing your abs or holding your breath instead.
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Start before surgery. A pre-op visit or two so you go into surgery already knowing the right contraction.
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Train for real life. Coordinating your pelvic floor with your core and breathing for coughing, lifting, standing up and exercise.
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Build endurance. A progressive home program aimed at getting you out of pads.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Reading
