The most common treatment for prostate cancer is a complete or partial prostatectomy. Unfortunately, urinary incontinence is a frequent after-effect of this operation.
What are the side effects of Prostate cancer?
Urinary incontinence can be a direct result of prostate cancer, nevertheless, radiotherapy and surgery are also frequent causes of this undesirable effect. After ablation, it is normal to experience difficulties when trying to hold back your urine, especially during physical effort, changing position or at the end of the day. Exercises can be given by a physiotherapist to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and will normally start before surgery and continue for several weeks after. Returning to normal urinary functions generally takes several weeks.
Ask your doctor if strengthening your pelvic floor muscles with the help of a physiotherapist is necessary before and after your surgery. Follow regularly the different exercises given by the physio.
Drink a lot
Drink enough water to dilute your urine, but not all at once. Drink in small quantities throughout the day!
Avoid any caffeine-based drinks, such as coffee, tea, cola-based drinks and chocolate. Avoid alcohol as it has a diuretic and irritating effect on your bladder. Limit the amount of orange and citrus fruit juices that you consume, as well as your drinks at night to avoid having to get up.
Avoid any irritating and acidic foods, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, chocolate and spices.
Exercise regularly
Walk, swim and stretch. Avoid any combat sports, abrupt movements and running. Do not lift any heavy loads during the 6 weeks following surgery.
Important information in case of Prostate cancer
Change your incontinence protection pad as soon as it is soiled to avoid any urinary infections.
Choose the type of incontinence protection that suits you best and that you are the most comfortable wearing from a large choice of products. It is best to choose a protection pad with as much cotton in it as possible.
In the morning, you can put a drop of Palma Rosa Essential Oil in your protection to hide any odours all day long.
