Do those Kegels!

kjacko, I have seen many post talking about Kegel exercises. I am not familiar with them. Can you explain what they are and how to do them or recommend at web site that gives that information?

I had 30 rounds of proton radiation for my prostrate cancer. I experienced increased need to urinate, urgency, and leaking. Most of that has improved but I have read the post of how much these help and would like to do them.

The easiest way to explain a Kegel is to squeeze your cheeks. DO NOT use your stomach. I do a set of ten quick ones and then a set of ten where you hold each one for 3-4 seconds. After my catheter was removed I did them every hour I was awake. As soon as I finished my two sets I set my timer for 1 hour so I never forgot.

You can also go on-line and type in Kegel exercises and many sites and demonstrations come up. The ones I described were recommended by my surgeon. Best of luck to you. KJ

BTW, I’m still doing them even though I’m continent. I just want to make that area stronger.

Congratulations!

Sorry but no. The LAST thing you want to do when doing Kegels is "squeeze your cheeks"

No. The last thing you want to do is use your stomach. That is exactly how my surgeon demonstrated. However, if you don’t agree with me that’s ok. I’ve been dribble free. Good luck.

I agree about no abdominal muscle involvement but my PT was very emphatic about no butt cheek involvement either

They worked for you and that is wonderful but the simple truth is that for at least some readers, kegels alone don't seem to be the answer. Any advice?

Not really advice so much as what I've read over time. Although kegels absolutely help a lot of folks, myself included. Sometimes, according to reading I've done, it comes down to how much, if any, damage is done around the prostatic apex during the surgery.

Here's one article that gives a quick explanation of some research done in this regard.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7815577/

" Injury to these nerves may explain several features of post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence."

There are links to other articles there which may have more information, possibly there'll be some info there folks can use.

Hard to explain Kegels. I am sure your doctor would write a script for you to have several weeks of PT with a Pelvic Floor physical therapist. They will actually connect a probe to you and verify the kegels are being performed properly. It is more of a feel thing than an exercise. Also the therapist will likely set you up on a program to do more traditional very light exercises that strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. I added them to my gym routine for a few months. Now I just do a few minutes of Kegels each morning. Good luck with everything and definitely ask for a script for PT. You won't regret it.