Post Prostatectomy Incontinence: When can I start bicycling again?

Hey @bcarr I'm no doc but I'd say wait, at least until you talk to your urologist. Seems rather early to me. I had mine @ 9/21 and I'm just about to get on a bike this spring. I'm used to a road bike with a small hard(ish) saddle. Looking forward to getting back out there myself!

I was in the gym very quickly after surgery and found straddling benches could be a little painful and cause very small amounts of leakage. It took a couple months for that to go away. It also was close to 4-6 mos before I could run without leaking. My point being, healing takes place over a long period of time, particularly nerves. I'd definitely have a convo with the docs before starting something like cycling on a road bike at 6 mos. I don't know what area you're in but how many times have you been out on the road and hit something that jarred you badly? Me, generally once a ride at a minimum. LOL

Maybe a stationary bike at a gym or a friends as an initial test would be a good idea if you have access somewhere? We have road style stationary bikes at the gym I visit and I would get on one once in a while and go a quick few miles, around October I realized I was pretty comfortable with getting back out there.
Unfortunately I live in the mid-atlantic region and not a good cold weather rider, so spring is coming and I'm going to give it a try when it warms up a little.

May your healing continue!

Anecdotally, 2 friends who are very active Pelaton riders were instructed by their Drs to wait 3 - 4 mos before returning to their rides. They were fine, except for some mild urinary leakage.

Hi @bcarr, I agree with you and others members who replied that you'll want to get the a-okay from the surgeon before jumping back on the horse, or rather, bicycle. Please note that I modified the title of this discussion to differentiate to another discussion on a similar topic:
- Cycling after radical prostatectomy (RP)? Increase risk of recurrence? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cycling-after-rp/

Bcarr, would you mind returning after you've spoken with your urologist and sharing what you learn? I bet others would like to know.

I am 65 and had a robotic prostatectomy in July 2022. I had only a few issues with incontinence in the first two or three weeks following surgery. My surgeon, also an avid cyclist, gave me the go ahead to ride after 6 weeks and also strongly recommended getting a Specialized Power Saddle (any model). I got the saddle and I got COVID at the end of 6 weeks so it was another few weeks before I attempted a ride. Uncomfortable at first even with the new saddle and only very short rides around the neighborhood. As I got the saddle adjusted (nose slightly down) it became more comfortable and I gradually built up to about 10 miles, 2-3 x a week, before it got too cold to ride. Looking forward to more riding this season and longer distances, but again starting with short rides. Wishing you all the best!

I am 66 and had RALP in February 22. I was previously cycling more than once a week for trips of 2-3 hours and 20-30 miles. I had almost no problems with incontinence after surgery, and began walking immediately, increasing to 8000 steps daily and very occasionally twice that much within 4 months. However, my physical therapist was very reticent about biking. My urologist, at about 6 months, said, "why not try?"
I am now out more than a year, and I still get sore on a bike no matter what I do within the first hour. Even on an e-bike. I have tried standing on the pedals as much as possible, taking breaks, and everything else I can think of. I have also shifted out of clip-in pedals, used bikes with maximum shock absorption, etc. So far I find this disappointing and this is in fact one reason why I started exploring these forums. I am glad others have had more success. I have 8-10 bikes in my garage....
And yes, I know, other people would just like to be able to do a 10 mile bike ride. I'm not asking for sympathy, just acknowledging I find my situation challenging and am hoping for a different year ahead, but resetting my expectations. Right now, I want to learn to just enjoy a 10 mile ride comfortably.

@colleenyoung I would be happy to. The surgeon/urologist who performed my RALP is on maternity leave but returns in early April. I plan to consult with her when she returns and make a decision regarding bicycling - how soon and how much. I let you and others know. Thanks.

Hi, I started riding my road bike six months after I had RALP. I experienced soreness and had to stop. I switched to my city bike, with upright handlebars and a comfortable seat. I was able to rider 15 miles without any discomfort. I’m hopeful I can ride my road bike again, once the roads clear up of ice and snow here in Wyoming.🚴🏼‍♂️
I had a long recovery from incontinence. It took a year. The good news, I found the end of that road.🙏

Yesterday I got on a peloton at the Y--I think they just got them, and rode on the provided seat for about 30 minutes. I am a little sore today.
Continence is wonderful, isn't it?! Something I didn't think much about for many decades....
I've been tempted to sell the road bike and the gravel bike, but I haven't done it yet. "Sometimes it gives me pleasure just to see it hanging in the garage...." [but not that much.]

Anyone experience neuro-stimulation for OAB .......after chem and radiation for Pros. Ca.?

Here is a thread on this topic from a UK prostate cancer forum. It is (to me) mostly re-assuring. Key points: allow time for the urethra re-attachment to the bladder to heal. Pay attention to any tenderness which results. Use a saddle with a hole or deep depression in the middle, to avoid pressure on the perineum. Ask your surgeon when you can try cycling again and DO WHAT THEY SAY:

community. prostatecanceruk. org/ posts/ t24512-Cycling-after-RARP---surgeon-said-wait-6-weeks

(New to forum, not allowed to post links. Just eliminate the spaces in the above url)