What to expect
You are likely to have heavy bladder leakage when the catheter is first removed. This may reduce quite quickly over the next few days. For some men the leakage persists for weeks or even months. Bladder leakage can be long-term requiring further treatment. It is impossible to predict how much urine you will leak and how quickly you will recover. However, there are things that you can do in advance to prepare.
What can I do?
For short-term leakage in the first days after catheter removal, most men use one or more types of absorbent pad. There are many different pads available. Some are unisex but others are designed specifically for men.
• Check out your local supermarket, pharmacy and discount stores to see which pads that are available.
• Buy pads in different sizes/absorbencies.
• Take some small and large pads with you when you have your catheter removed.
• We suggest buying a pack of small light absorbency pads, to be worn with tight fitting underwear for example:
• And a pack of large, more absorbent pads for example:
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Large all-in-one style pad (moderate/heavy incontinence)See the full range of pads for light incontinence and pads for moderate to heavy incontinence with videos showing you how to use them.
Anything else I need to know?
If you are in the UK, you can order a Prostate Cancer UK surgery support pack. This contains samples of absorbent pads, disposal bags, hand wipes and written information on surgery and urinary problems after surgery. You may be given one by your Urology nurse specialist or you can contact PCUK directly to get your pack.
If your bladder leakage remains heavy and pads are not suitable for all activities you wish to pursue, there are different male devices which might be more suitable.
Consider ordering some free samples of urinary sheaths, which are an alternative to pads for men with bladder leakage. These can be useful if your leakage remains heavy and you find that it is restricting your daily activities. Manufacturers often advertise free samples and provide advice on the right product to use.
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It is important to be aware that surgery for prostate cancer can leave you with a shortened (or retracted) penis after the operation, so sheaths that are the right size before the operation may not be the correct size afterwards. This means that you may have to measure yourself again before using a sheath or you may need to think about using a product specially designed for a retracted penis.
See our [video guide on Sheath measuring].
In the UK you can contact your local continence advisory service where specialist nurses can give you product advice, they may be able to tell you in advance if you will be able to get incontinence pads from the NHS after your treatment. You can either speak to your GP and ask for a referral, or contact them yourself. The bladder and bowel community website has a clinic search facility.
Read about exercises or diet and exercise advice that could help reduce your bladder leakage: