Arousal incontinence – urine leakage when a man is sexually aroused - is common after radical prostatectomy, researchers report in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Radical prostatectomy (the surgical removal of the prostate gland) is a frequent treatment for prostate cancer. After surgery, men might experience sexual issues, like erectile dysfunction and climacturia (leakage of urine during orgasm). However, less is known about arousal incontinence.
The research team sent questionnaires to 226 men who had undergone radical prostatectomy within the previous 24 months. The men’s average age was 64 years.
Half of the men said they had had arousal incontinence at least once since their surgery. For most of the men, the problem started within the first three months after prostatectomy.
About 39% of the men were experiencing it at the time of the study. Eleven percent said they’d had arousal incontinence in the past, but no longer did. Among this second group, 50% said that the situation had gotten better within seven months.
About three-quarters of the men said physical stimulation led to arousal incontinence. For 25%, urine leakage happened when they were psychologically aroused, too.
Arousal incontinence didn’t happen with every sexual encounter, however. For 57% of the men, it occurred less than half the time they were having sex. Most men said the amount was a tablespoon or less.
The authors explained some similarities between arousal incontinence and stress urinary incontinence, which happens when there is pressure on the bladder. People with stress urinary incontinence often leak urine when they cough, sneeze, laugh, or physically exert themselves.
Both types of incontinence are more likely to occur when a man’s pelvic floor muscles are relaxed. For a man with stress urinary incontinence, this might be when he is tired. Similarly, a man’s pelvic floor muscles relax when he is aroused.
Treatments for arousal incontinence are still being studied, the authors said. “In our practice, we recommend the use of a variable tension ring in men who are significantly bothered by [arousal incontinencehttps://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(19)31443-2/fulltext" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(145, 188, 64); text-decoration: none;">https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(19)31443-2/fulltext
Jimbo, M., et al.
“Prevalence of Climacturia in Patients with History of Definitive Therapy for Prostate Cancer”
(Abstract. January 2020 – Supplement 1)
https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(19)31599-1/fulltext
MedlinePlus
“Stress urinary incontinence”
(Reviewed: January 23, 2018)
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
Can Sex Throw off Your Vaginal pH Balance?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Your vagina is a pretty powerful organ. It is a pathway for menstrual blood and babies. It also is a main player in sexual intercourse. You might hear about your vagina’s pH and worry that yours is at risk. Here’s what to know about vaginal pH, including the impacts sex could have.
