In my situation nearly 1 year out from prostate removal, a normal day was 4 - 6 max pads depending on activity level after pelvic floor training, physical therapy, etc. I researched both AUS and Sling and opted for AUS after my research and urologist consultations due to the severity of my incontinence. End result was no pads used after I retrained my bladder (overactivity after nearly a year of incontinence) following AUS activation, which took about 2 months. At times I do leak a few drops but it is minimal, which can be traced to not allowing enough time for closure of the AUS after urinating. That closure time varies between 1 - 2.5 minutes based on the number/strength of each pump. Urination after prostate removal is like when I was 18 years old again and takes about 15 seconds, thus you need to wait until the AUS closes before completing the process. Hope this helps others in making this decision. My overall goal of no pads was achieved, which was amazing given my starting point. I don't believe the sling would have provided these results - my urologist thought I might get to about 2 max pads with the sling.

Any surgery, "minor" or otherwise, always carries risks of complications or side effects. As a former gynecologist who performed sling procedures (albeit on women) I can attest that things can and do go wrong. You must be sure the benefit you might gain is worth the chance you'll be left with a different problem to deal with.

I'm now 11 months post prostatectomy. For the past six months, I've been using one light (#1j pad daily and am very happy to live with that forever given the spectrum of what it's like for those of us with prostate cancer. The pad is mainly for the post void drips which I sometimes have.