What it is
The uncontrollable or involuntary loss of urine. For men, incontinence is a common side effect after a prostatectomy – but it doesn’t have to be permanent.
Symptoms
The loss of a small or moderate amount of urine during a cough, sneeze, laugh, bending over, or during exercise are signs of stress incontinence. Symptoms of urge incontinence include the sudden and frequent uncontrollable need to urinate.
Treatment
Pelvic Physical Therapy for Incontinence may include specific exercises to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles and retrain the bladder. These may include learning to perform Kegels properly, as well as other exercises, where patients are monitored using biofeedback equipment (similar to a heart rate monitor) to see if the pelvic muscles are being contracted correctly. The timing of pelvic muscle contractions is also important, and this is taught as well. And finally, additional techniques can be learned to help retrain the bladder for significant improvements in control and frequency reduction.