Pelvic floor exercises for men undergoing radical prostatectomy

Information for patients from the Urology Department

This leaflet will help you with your recovery of continence following robotic surgery for prostate cancer. This leaflet will explain the following.

We hope this leaflet answers some of the questions you may have. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to a member of your healthcare team.

What are pelvic floor muscles?

Pelvic floor muscles help to maintain urinary and bowel continence. The muscles support the organs of the pelvis and help maintain their position. The muscles run between the pubic bone (at the front of the bladder) and the base of the spine at the tail bone.

Male lower urinary tract, including the pelvic floor muscles
Male lower urinary tract, including the pelvic floor muscles

The purpose of pelvic floor exercises is to:

  • Train the pelvic floor muscles, so help with continence, support, and sexual activity.

  • Promote increased blood flow to the pelvic area. This helps to maintain healthy tissues and preserve normal function.

Why do I need to exercise my pelvic floor muscles?

After prostate surgery, exercising your pelvic floor muscles can minimise both:

Prostate surgery can cause some damage to the valve that keeps you continent and dry. Following your operation, you will have a catheter in place for around 7 to 14 days. How long the catheter is in place will depend on the type of prostatectomy you had. After removing the catheter, there may be some inflammation (swelling) of the tissues. As a result you may have some urinary incontinence.

What should I eat and drink after surgery?

After surgery, your nurse will discuss with you what you can drink. This will include the amount you should drink, and which types of drink. For example, it may help if you avoid or reduce caffeine (tea, coffee, cola) and fizzy drinks.

Eat a healthy balanced diet, to help reduce or maintain your weight. Excess pounds put undue pressure or ‘stress’ on your bladder.

Pelvic floor exercises

Please practice these exercises (numbered 1 to 3) every day.

  1. Lying down

    • Lie on your back with your knees bent, and your feet comfortably apart on the bed.

    • Tighten (contract) your pelvic floor, as if you are trying to stop wind escaping.

    • Hold this position as strongly as you can. Try to hold for 3 to 5 seconds. Increase the time gradually as your strength and stamina improves. Aim to hold for 10 seconds.

    • Do not hold your breath, pull in your stomach, or clench your buttocks.

  2. Sitting

    • Sit on a chair with your knees apart.

    • Tighten (contract) your pelvic floor, as if you are trying to stop wind escaping.

    • Hold this position as strongly as you can. Try to hold for 3 to 5 seconds. Increase the time gradually as your strength and stamina improves. Aim to hold for 10 seconds.

    • Do not hold your breath, pull in your stomach, or clench your buttocks.

  3. Standing

    • Stand with your feet apart.

    • Tighten (contract) your pelvic floor, as if you are trying to stop wind escaping. You should see the base of your penis move in and your testicles lift.

    • Hold this position as strongly as you can. Try to hold for 3 to 5 seconds. Increase the time gradually as your strength and stamina improves. Aim to hold for 10 seconds.

    • Do not hold your breath, pull in your stomach, or clench your buttocks.

Exercising your pelvic floor muscles during other activities

Important tip

Tighten your pelvic floor quickly, just before and during activities such as:

Do these exercises regularly. The exercises help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and keep them toned.

What if I have a sudden urge to urinate?

Some men may have a sudden strong need to pass urine; a urine leak may happen directly after this. The best way to overcome this urge is to do the following.

  1. Stay calm (panic makes things worse).

  2. Sit down or stand still for 30 to 60 seconds until the urge disappears.

  3. Try to think of something else to take your mind off of the sudden need to pass urine.

  4. Do not make a sudden lunge or rush for the toilet.

  5. Continue normal activity or visit the toilet once the urge has passed.

This technique helps to challenge your bladder to hold more urine.

What if I develop an infection?

An infection can sometimes make your bladder problems worse. If you have any of the following symptoms, please contact your GP or specialist nurse.

Useful numbers

We have used the term ‘men’ throughout this leaflet. When we use this term we also mean people with male reproductive organs who do not identify as a man. East Kent Hospitals is committed to supporting people of all gender identities. Please tell your doctor or nurse how you would like them to address you, so we can be sure to get this right.

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