Kegel Exercises: Am I doing them correctly?

Heavy duty diaper/several in 24hr for the first month or so, then graduated to one pull up/24hr. By the 3rd month, no pad at night, but still used one pull-up per day during the day. Now at 12 months, a pull-up a day but many days are completely dry. I still wear them during the day for insurance. I also did kegels before and after surgery (using the Tat phone app), but I must admit that I fell off the wagon many times over the months. It was all very distressing at first, but now it doesn't bother me at all. I hope you have as good or hopefully better! outcome.

@tango3652,
I only had radiation (30 round proton) and that ended in July 2023.

Every side affect on my treatments returned to normal except leaking. I have trying to do the kegel exercises when I can remember to do them. It seems to be stronger (muscles) but I still have a heck of time holding the urine before I get to bathroon when I really need to go.

Then it seems I don't get all the urnie out and have some leakage after. So I am in your boat with this being a nuisance. They did put a cather in me prior to Space/Oar and markers to get a contrast solution so they could see the bottom of prostrate during CT scan. It feels like a possible stricker could be at end but that would not explain the leakage as they come (start up higher).

Good luck and if you learn anything on this that helps you please pass along.

I sounded just like you for my first 9 months. But my last three months of PT with a specialist in Pelvic floor therapy has made a huge difference in leaking. I won't tell you how to do them, but the emphasis on core strength and breathing coordination with flexing / relaxing has been the key. Ask your urologist for a referral to a specialist if your condition doesn't improve in the next few months. And don't believe what you read about the high percentage of men who regain continence in a few weeks. These forums prove that's baloney. Check out the National Association for Continence. Lots of guys are writing about their post RP issues there too.

Last year, at age 72, I had RALP August 23. I had done several weeks of Pelvic Floor Therapy under the direction of a DPT at a Baylor Scott & White Clinic.

I also bought some Whataband brand stretch bands from Amazon, about $35, so I could do the same Kegel & core-strengthening exercises as I learned at the clinic.

I suggest you get a Rx from your doctor for PT st a clinic where they have a DPT who trained for the Pelvic Floor therapy.

If you are in Texas, I highly recommend Baylor Scott & White Clinic.

After my catheter was removed, I was 100% continent. It IS possible.

Age 68, 10 weeks out. Do my kegels before and after the RP. Follow a strict diet to avoid bladder irritants. Still in pelvic floor PT, making very slow progress.

One pad during the day and another at night.

Almost worse than the ED.

What is DPT? PT?

PT - Physical Therapy
DPT - Doctor of Physical Therapy - one why pursues education beyond their undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree for an additional three years, studying Anatomy, Kinesioloogy (Movement) and Physiology. They may also take other classes in Neurology and Pharmacology. During this time, they will also do clinical rotations where they work alongside licensed therapists in clinics and/or hospitals, learning and improving their skills.

My DPT, Vanessa at Baylor Scott and White Clinic in Austin Texas, helps me learn and to exercises properly to strengthen my Pelvic Floor and my core. The core exercises also help my balance.

Do you do the exercises at home, with bands?

I found a great set of bands on Amazon. They cost me about $35 and the brand is Whataband. Be sure you use them with a LOCKED door! The door opened once on me and I was hit in my abdomen with that "hard rupper stopper" making me say a couple of words not suitable for children! OOPS!

Consider a visit to a Pelvic Floor PT practice. It's been helpful for me.

Also know that certain foods irritate the bladder -- coffee, citrus, carbonated beverages, spicy foods, etc.

And yes age can be a factor in your recovery.

Tango I am 59 surgery 6/12/23 so 7 month ago. Still wear light pad 24/7. Usually 1 to 2 in 24 hour. Not that I need them all the time but usually drip just a little after urinating. I did have wet nights the first month after surgery but gets better with time. Stress leak when lifting or pulling if I don’t prepare for it. I had no PT training. Was told by surgeon do Kegel 3 times a day, in sets of 10, so 30 total. I only do them after I pee while still at toilet, because I will dribble a little upon release of @ 2-3 of the set of 10. Did have 2 times in December I had to change underwear at night. I was ready to sleep at night without pad but that changed my mind. I hope by 9 months no pads needed, we will see. You are just past surgery so I hope you see improvement soon. I do take medication for bladder control seems to help without I make many many trips to pee. It took me time to adjust physically and mentally to life after surgery but doing good and no regrets. Keep strong you will improve soon.