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Artificial urinary sphincter - not a rave review

Posted by peterj116 @peterj116, Jul 23, 2025

This thing was activated 2 days ago.
Does it take getting used to?

I've been reading how it takes 2 or 3 pumps to work - mine works with 1 pump - sometimes barely touching the thing.

I also read today that they're designed primarily for stress incontinence - not urge incontinence.
Is that right?
At least I can stand up & sit down without leaking, but I still have to rush to the toilet with urge incontinence.
I was under the impression that it closed the urethra & I only pee when I decide to.
It hasn't worked out that way so far.

Could the cuff not be tight enough, or something?
Kinda disappointed with this thing.
It's not the miracle cure I was hoping for.

Prostatecomy last September.

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peterj116 | @peterj116 | Jul 24, 2025
In reply to @grandpun "Hi Peter, So sorry you’re getting poor results from the AUS You didn’t mention but mine..." + (show)
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Hi Peter, So sorry you’re getting poor results from the AUS
You didn’t mention but mine is the AUS 800. It’s a pretty standard piece.
You’re saying it only takes one light pump suggests to me that the ‘pressure’ in the cuff is too low. Sadly, my understanding is it’s not adjustable, only replacement.
For now, I agree with the advice of the other commenters to give it some time and your bladder time to adjust to ‘normal’ filling and urgency.
In the meantime, maybe look for another surgeon who has lots of experience in these devices and their installation. I hope you don’t take this wrong, but after the fact I found out my surgeon was also renowned for gender affirming surgery. So I think he was very experienced in this part of the body. It’s your call for sure.
Patience, pads, and good searching. My prayers for you in this.

Jump to this post

Thankyou.
My surgeon is "a reconstructive urologist, with expertise in management of urethral stricture disease as well as penile deformities and incontinence."
No mention of chopping off bits & making pretend vaginas.
Maybe I should go back to the bathroom & look again...

I assume it's an AUS800. That seems to be the standard device.

REPLY
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peterj116 | @peterj116 | Jul 28, 2025

Dragging this one up for another question for those who have been through it...

The AUS works great most of the time - I don't even get stress incontinence.
But getting up in the morning always results in major leakage (don't make it to the bathroom, let alone the pump).
The rest of the time it's fine.

Is that a common problem, or loose cuff?
It's only been 7 days.

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1 reply
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smc24 | @smc24 | Jul 28, 2025
In reply to @peterj116 "Dragging this one up for another question for those who have been through it... The AUS..." + (show)
Profile picture for peterj116 @peterj116

Dragging this one up for another question for those who have been through it...

The AUS works great most of the time - I don't even get stress incontinence.
But getting up in the morning always results in major leakage (don't make it to the bathroom, let alone the pump).
The rest of the time it's fine.

Is that a common problem, or loose cuff?
It's only been 7 days.

Jump to this post

I have not had your problem with major leaking in the morning. Now, with my AUS for about 2-1/2 years, I do pee 2 or 3 times during the night and usually head straight to the bathroom when I get up each morning. A little (physical) stress leak has been normal for me, but very minor and infrequent even with an active lifestyle.

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1 reply
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peterj116 | @peterj116 | Jul 28, 2025
In reply to @smc24 "I have not had your problem with major leaking in the morning. Now, with my AUS..." + (show)
Profile picture for smc24 @smc24

I have not had your problem with major leaking in the morning. Now, with my AUS for about 2-1/2 years, I do pee 2 or 3 times during the night and usually head straight to the bathroom when I get up each morning. A little (physical) stress leak has been normal for me, but very minor and infrequent even with an active lifestyle.

Jump to this post

Thankyou. The pump behaved itself this morning, so I'll see how it goes.

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