What was your recovery like for Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS)?

@peterj116
Thanks for the support.
I had my Prostatectomy in 1995 and it was a nightmare. But that's another story.
I know pain from surgery. I had two knee replacements and that is one painful recovery.
I was just wondering what were the immediate effects right after surgery.

@denkea Yeah, the recovery isn't fun, but by activation time, it should all magically heal.
Until then, just try to rest as much as you can. But know that the days of multiple pads will soon be over.

@denkea, I moved your question about what to expect after surgery for AUS to this similar discusson:
- What was your recovery like for Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS)? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recovery-timeline-following-aus/

See all here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/prostate-cancer/

Hello everyone,
I’m hoping to hear from members who have personal experience living with an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS).
I’ve had persistent stress urinary incontinence after prostate treatment and have already undergone two male sling surgeries without improvement. I also have a penile implant, which has been revised once but still isn’t ideal. I’m now seeing a new urologist who specializes in men’s health and want to be as informed as possible before discussing next steps. I’m particularly interested in hearing from men who:
Have had an AUS for a year or more, and Especially those who also have a penile implant
Some things I’m hoping to understand from real‑world experience:
What daily life is like once you’re past recovery
How noticeable or “mentally present” the AUS is day‑to‑day
Whether you still use pads, and in what situations
Any surprises—positive or negative—that you didn’t expect going in
How manageable the device feels long‑term

One personal concern: I had a very difficult catheter experience years ago, which still weighs on me, so I’m also trying to understand the peri‑operative experience realistically.
I’m not rushing into surgery—I mainly want to learn from people who’ve actually lived with this device and can speak candidly. If you’re open to sharing here (or privately), I’d really appreciate it.
Thank you for being such a generous and supportive community.

@vanny My favourite subject. Not really.

Here goes....
AUS activated July 2025
All went well for a while. I went from 6 pads a day to zero.
I use underwear with padding at the front, to catch stress incontinence leaks. They work well.

Now things are starting to fall apart.
I'm back on the pads (one per day) with daily uncontrollable leakage through urge incontinence of around 50ml of urine lost by leaks through the "closed" cuff.
Waiting to see the urologist again.
Also, I appear to be losing weight below the waist & can feel the tubes a lot more than I used to.

In terms of a catheter (which I also hated) it's only in overnight after the operation & is removed before you leave hospital.
Then it's back on the pads every day like nothing happened, while you wait 6 weeks for the surgery to heal.
Then comes the long-awaited day when you go back to get the thing activated.
Then (theoretically) dry after that.
Instructions say to pump the device 2 or 3 times - I only have to pump once or barely touch the thing.

Ease of use depends on your dexterity.
Instructions are to use one hand to hold to the tubes at the top of the device, to steady it, then use the other hand to pump.
I've never done that.
I just use 3 fingers to pull the device to the side, then use my forefinger/thumb to pump.
Works great.

In my case, I suspect that the cuff is too loose.
It's determined by your blood pressure - so if it's too tight, it can prevent proper blood flow.
Obviously not a good thing, but they use your blood pressure to determine the cuff size.

I'm going back soon (I hope) to get checked & see what's wrong.

My experience is probably uncommon, though.
The vast majority of guys love the thing. I did too, at first.