What to expect

You may experience bladder leakage following non-surgical treatments but this is more common following surgical treatments. The side-effects from non-surgical treatments for prostate cancer can vary but include:

• Problems emptying your bladder (urine retention)

• Needing to go to the toilet a lot (frequency)

• Being woken at night by the need to pass urine (nocturia)

• A feeling that you need to go to the toilet suddently (urgency)

• Bladder leakage before you reach the toilet (urge incontinence)

• Bowel urgency or leakage can also be a problem for some men after radiotherapy

You may find that your bladder or bowel problems last just few weeks after treatment or they may continue long-term.

How to get help

If your incontinence is heavy and / or is preventing you from doing your usual daily activities do speak to your family doctor or continence nurse specialist (CNS) at the local bladder and bowel service.

In the UK your GP can refer you to your local continence service or you can refer yourself. Search your local community trust website for bladder and bowel or continence services. Alternatively, the Bladder and Bowel Community has a database which you can search to find a service near you.

In Australia contact the Australian Continence Foundation.

In the USA the Simon Foundation is a useful source of information.

In Canada contact the Canadian Continence Foundation also has a searchable list to help you find healthcare professionals who specialise in bladder and bowel problems in your area.

Diet and lifestyle advice may also be useful, many men try and restrict their fluid intake in order to reduce incontinence, but that can make the problem worse.

Bladder leakage

If you are experiencing bladder problems (leakage of urine) find out about the different pads and devices available for men. Most men find using a mix of pads and devices is the most flexible way to meet their needs.

Look at the range available for light bladder leakage and moderate to heavy incontinence

Men often choose to use a device instead of or in combination with absorbent pads. Find out more about the full range of male devices.

Click on Product Advisor for help choosing between the different products available.

Bowel leakage

Bowel problems can be a side-effect of radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Find out about specialist bowel products that might help.

You may also find practising Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises helpful.

Alternatively, for professional help and advice on pelvic floor muscle exercises, ask your urologist or family doctor to refer you to a clinical nurse specialist or specialist physiotherapist.

Click on Product Advisor for help choosing between the different products available.

Other useful sites

If you are out and about, find the location of the nearest toilet on The Great British Toilet Map.

If you are travelling by underground in London there is a tube map which gives details of which stations have toilet facilities.

In Australia you can use The Australian toilet map.