There are many effective treatments for prostate cancer, but their side effects can be uncomfortable to handle. If you’ve received treatment but are having a hard time with any side effects, it’s important to know these can be managed, and they often improve over time.
According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Treatment is effective, but the surgery to remove all or part of the prostate along with radiation therapy can cause lasting side effects, such as:
- Urinary incontinence: Inability to control urine
- Erectile dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
There are several treatments for erectile dysfunction, including oral medications, implants, devices, and injections. Talk with your urologist about which solution can give you the best results.
Most people will need to use a catheter for a week or two after prostate cancer surgery. A catheter is a thin tube inserted through the urethra, which helps you empty your bladder and control incontinence as your body heals. In most cases, a foley catheter is placed while you’re at the surgical center and removed at a checkup visit.
Both erectile dysfunction and urinary challenges typically improve over weeks or months, but everyone is different. Some men need to use catheters long term to improve their quality of life. ABC Medical is here to help, with a comprehensive line of catheter supplies and service. As you recover, here are three ways you can find balance.
1. Give Yourself Some Grace
Most men regain bladder control after prostate cancer treatment, but it doesn’t always happen right away. It can take from a few weeks to 18 months to get full control. It’s important to be patient as your body heals.
Physical therapy such as pelvic floor exercises (sometimes called Kegel exercises) can help improve recovery and sometimes can help speed up the process. You can find a physical therapist near you who specializes in pelvic floor therapy by following this link.
Another thing to keep in mind is that men with damage to the urinary sphincter or nearby nerves during treatment may experience lasting incontinence which means they may need to use catheters for a longer period of time.
Related reading: Can You Exercise Comfortably with a Catheter?
2. Choose the Correct Catheter for Long-term Use
If you find your bladder control is slow to return, a catheter can help you keep your independence and keep up with all the activities you love.
There are many different types of catheters, and choosing the one that’s right for you can sometimes be challenging; however, your doctor can help you select the right catheter for long-term use. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Materials: Catheters are made from many different materials. Often, the best choices include rubber, latex, and silicone. Some catheters come pre-lubricated, with either surgical or hydrophilic lubricant.
- Types: Indwelling (or foley) catheters are inserted in your bladder for a period of time to keep it drained. Intermittent catheters are a single-use products you insert as planned throughout the day to drain your bladder. External catheters remain outside the body, fitting over the penis like a condom.
- Tips: Catheters come with two different types of tips, straight and coudé (curved). Coudé tips help catheters to more easily move past blockages in the urethra.
- Closed-system catheters: These may come in sterile kits that may include a collection bag, gloves, drape and swab sticks. They’re helpful in reducing contamination and lowering the risk of infection.
Related reading: Hydrophilic Catheters and UTI Prevention
3. Practice Good Hygiene and Skin Care
Good hygiene habits can lower your risk of getting an infection. Your doctor will provide specific instructions about catheterizing and may give general tips to follow, including:
- Wash your hands before and after catheter use.
- Wash the visible part of a foley catheter when you shower.
- Gently wash off any discharge (this is normal) around the area where the catheter enters the urethra.
- Avoid scented soaps, perfumes, antiperspirants and lotions in the genital area.
- Leave your bag or valve attached while showering.
- Showers are better than baths.
- If you are uncircumcised, wash under the foreskin thoroughly.
Incontinence and erectile dysfunction can be frustrating, especially after prostate cancer treatment. Remember that the side effects are usually temporary, and you can still do many of your favorite activities while using catheters.
Experts are standing by to support all your supply needs. Fill out the form or call 866-897-8588.
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please speak with your healthcare provider.
