Urinary Incontinence After Cancer Treatment
Urinary leakage can occur after cancer treatment and may affect confidence, intimacy, and daily life. Learn about common causes and support options.
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence means leaking urine when you don’t intend to. It is common after cancer treatments that affect the pelvis, such as surgery or radiation.
You may notice leakage when:
- Coughing, sneezing, or laughing
- Exercising or moving suddenly
- Feeling pressure on your bladder
This is often called stress incontinence and happens when pelvic support muscles are weakened.
You’re not alone. These changes are common—and treatable.
What to expect:
- Common after pelvic surgery (including prostate surgery)
- Symptoms often improve within 3–6 months
- Recovery timelines vary
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help
- Progress is gradual and individual
Be patient with your body—healing takes time.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can help improve bladder control and reduce leakage.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists are specially trained in treating the pelvis. Working with an expert can be an important part of recovery.
- Appointments usually include a combination of talking and education, as all as hands on treatment
- Hands on treatment can include internal assessment and treatment
- If you are not ready or comfortable with internal work, you can always begin with talking
A Kegel exercise involves gently contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles—the muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and sexual function. Regular Kegel exercises can help improve bladder control, support erectile function, and strengthen pelvic floor muscles after prostate cancer treatment. Like any exercise, consistency is important, and benefits are usually seen over time with regular practice.
How to find the right muscles:
Think about the muscles you would use if you were to try to stop the flow of urine or prevent passing gas. It may feel like a gentle lifting sensation in your pelvic area.
How to practice:
- Sit comfortably (start with an empty bladder if you can)
- Gently tighten your pelvic floor muscles - thinking about the muscles pulling upward
- Hold for 3–10 seconds (or as long you can fully hold the tension)
- Fully relax
- Repeat 10 times
✔ Try to practice this 3–5 times per day
✔ Start with sitting, but you can also try these standing, lying down, or walking
Tip: Focus on quality over quantity—gentle, controlled movements are more effective than straining.
Intimacy & Leakage
Leakage during sexual activity can happen and is more common than many people realize.
Things that may help:
- Empty your bladder before sex
- Use a towel or protective layer
- Try intimacy in the shower or bath
- Choose times when you feel rested
- Keep a warm cloth nearby
- Try supportive devices, like an erection ring
Plan sexual activities at a time of day when you’re least tired. This is when your muscles are more likely to be at their best.
Communication Strategies- what if you're single?
Reassurance: Urine is typically sterile, so leakage during sex is not harmful. Even when daytime control feels strong, leakage can still happen with arousal or orgasm.
A year after prostate surgery, I’d regained bladder control and no longer needed pads during day. But I noticed I leaked when aroused, which was embarrassing and made me avoid sex. My nurse said this is common and not harmful. After talking with my partner, we used a pad during sex. I still wish it didn’t happen, but it no longer stops intimacy.
Henry, age 37
You deserve support. If this is impacting your daily life, it’s okay to talk to your care team. Alternative options are available including medical devices or supports, injections to improve bladder control, or surgical options.