After prostate cancer, men often grapple with urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and other pelvic floor challenges. The significance of pelvic floor rehabilitation is that it can mitigate symptoms after prostate cancer and help you quickly get back to enjoying the activities you love. Whether it's regaining intimacy or achieving better bladder control, getting an early start can set you years ahead on your recovery path. 

While it's expected to face new and persistent symptoms, it’s empowering to know that with tailored rehabilitation methods, these challenges can be temporary.

In this special 4-part series featuring Dr. William Mills, PT, DPT and Dr. Susie Gronski, PT, DPT we delve into insights and solutions centered on the treatment and rehabilitation of men's pelvic and sexual health following prostate cancer.

Dr. William Mills, PT, DPT is a physical therapist who specializes in male pelvic rehabilitation, particularly post-prostatectomy and chronic pelvic pain. With a forte in manual therapy and corrective exercises, he enhances outcomes, enabling men to regain urinary control, bowel function, erectile function, and overcome pain. Together with his colleagues at Alinea Performance, he is committed to assisting men of all ages in enhancing their quality of life.

Our episode covers topics including:

00:00 Introduction 00:35 Deciding on radiation or prostatectomy for prostate cancer 02:01 Urinary incontinence post-prostatectomy 04:26 Sexual function challenges post-prostatectomy 06:04 Viagra and Cialis post-prostatectomy 07:03 Treatment approaches for post-prostatectomy 11:44 Should I go to the doctor for post-prostatectomy symptoms?

**Delaying Treatment:** You’re not alone. Many men experience sexual difficulties and urinary incontinence post prostatectomy. When concerns are not addressed early on, they may become more difficult to treat as time goes on, leading to unnecessary long-term suffering and reduced quality of life. There’s help and there’s hope. 

**Prostate Cancer Rehabilitation Options:** A comprehensive understanding of post-treatment rehabilitation for prostate cancer is key. While the key decision may feel like deciding between radiation and prostatectomy, there are many decisions for after-cancer care.

**Intimacy After Prostate Treatment:** Some men experience reduced sensation in their penis and erectile dysfunction, feeling less connected to physical stimuli and their sexual selves. Nerve injury and diminished blood circulation, which can be a result of prostate cancer treatment like prostatectomy, can lead to reduced penis sensation and erectile dysfunction. Penile vibratory therapy, a penis pump, and medications are just a few treatment options that can help in improving blood circulation and erectile function. An individualized approach is best. 

**Urinary Incontinence After Prostate Treatment:** By addressing bladder habits, such as hydration and reducing potential bladder irritants, and with functional pelvic floor exercises, recovery can be expedited and post-treatment symptoms like incontinence can be mitigated. Proactively seeking knowledge and tailored rehabilitation strategies enables you to regain urinary control, greatly enhancing your quality of life outside the bathroom.

RESOURCES:

Free sex and pelvic pain resources https://drsusieg.com/resources

Online Pelvic Pain Relief Program for Men https://drsusieg.com/pelvic-pain-in-men-online-program

CONNECT WITH DR. WILLIAM MILLS:

Website: www.alineaperformance.com

Instagram and Facebook: docmills.dpt

Twitch: docmillsdpt

CONNECT WITH ME (DR. SUSIE) AND TEAM:

Website: https://drsusieg.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.susieg/

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Disclaimer:

This information is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding treatment, medications/supplements, or any medical diagnoses. This information is intended for educational purposes only and is in no way to substitute the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

#prostatehealth #prostatecancer #prostatectomy