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.
• Search the internet for suppliers.
• 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:
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?
Prostate Cancer UK surgery support pack
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 bladder symptoms related to surgery. You may be given a pack by your urology nurse specialist or you can contact PCUK yourself to get one.
Other products
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.
Urinary sheaths are a popular alternative to pads. They are particularly useful if you need a product that will contain leakage over long periods and high volumes when you are unable to change a pad. For example, long car journeys or golf. Manufacturers often provide free sample packs. Click here for more information and videos on how to use sheaths and supplier information. In the UK, sheaths are available on GP prescription.
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Sometimes surgery for prostate cancer can leave you with a shortened or retracted penis. This means that you may need to change sheath size or type - some are better for a shorted penis than others. If the penile length is such that a sheath will not stay secured, you may wish to try one of the products specifically designed for use with a shorter length penis. Click here for information about these products.
Local advice in the UK
In the UK you can contact your local continence advisory service where specialist nurses can give you product advice. Ask your GP for a referral or contact them directly yourself. They may be able to provide your products free of charge. The bladder and bowel community website has a clinic search facility.
Advice outside the UK
Please see the worldwide for how to obtain specialist product advice in your part of the world.
Read about pelvic floor muscle exercises which can help to regain muscle control in the first year:
and how diet and exercise advice can help your recovery: