After prostate surgery, urinary incontinence, blood in the urine, and fatigue in the first few weeks are common and usually temporary. However, everything depends on the type of surgery: an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or benign prostatic hypertrophy) is not operated on in the same way as cancer. Here are the two main types of procedures, what happens after surgery, how to manage incontinence on a daily basis, and the signs that should prompt immediate medical attention.
Quick answer
For an adenoma, the French National Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie) lists transient urinary incontinence among the consequences of resection via natural orifices. After a radical prostatectomy for cancer, the National Cancer Institute describes stress incontinence, most often temporary.
In case of leaks, the Health Insurance advises using protection and talking to the attending physician and the urologist: treatments exist, including rehabilitation.
| Adenoma surgery (resection) | Total prostatectomy (cancer) | |
|---|---|---|
| What is removed | The part of the prostate that is causing the problem, via the urethra | The entire prostate and seminal vesicles |
| Urinary catheter | One to several days | Approximately one week, according to the INCa |
| Urinary leakage | Possible, transient | Frequent during exertion, most often temporary |
| Sexuality | Ejaculation often retrograde | Absence of ejaculation, frequent erectile dysfunction |
Prostate surgery: what are we talking about?
Prostate adenoma is a benign enlargement of the prostate gland. When medication is no longer sufficient, when the discomfort is significant, or when a complication arises, the French National Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie) describes several interventions: transurethral resection, which removes the adenoma in small pieces through the urethra; endoscopic enucleation, using a laser for example, which is possible even for a large adenoma; incision of the bladder neck; and, for a very large prostate, open adenomectomy.
Radical prostatectomy treats localized prostate cancer: it removes the entire prostate gland and seminal vesicles, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes. The decision is made in a consultation meeting with the patient, among other options such as radiotherapy or active surveillance.
The first few days and the exit
After resection, the NHS describes blood mixed with urine in the catheter bag for a few days, local discomfort, and then, once the catheter is removed, frequent urges to urinate, burning during urination, and sometimes difficulty holding urine. These symptoms improve with recovery. It specifies that a small amount of blood may reappear in the urine about ten days after the operation, and that this is part of the healing process.
After a radical prostatectomy, the French National Cancer Institute (INCa) indicates that the urinary catheter remains in place for about a week, to allow the tissues to heal, and that drains will remove fluid from the surgical area. During your hospital stay, an advisor from the Prado service of the French National Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie) can help you schedule your initial appointments for your return home. See also: Going home with a drain.
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Rest and resumption of activities
- Drink plenty of fluids during the first few days to reduce the risk of urinary tract infection, advises the NHS.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks, as instructed by the surgeon.
- Start pelvic floor exercises as soon as possible to regain bladder control.
- In case of difficult transit after the operation, see constipation after an operation.
The NHS states that many people return to their normal activities a few weeks after a resection, but the length of time off work depends on the operation and the occupation: see length of time off work per operation.
Managing urinary incontinence
After a prostatectomy, the French National Cancer Institute (INCa) explains that stress incontinence stems from a temporary alteration in bladder and sphincter function. Urinary rehabilitation, also known as sphincter rehabilitation, before and after the procedure can help; if incontinence persists beyond a year, appropriate treatment is offered. The French National Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie) also mentions medication, rehabilitation, and, in some cases, an artificial urinary sphincter.
On a daily basis, appropriate protection for the level of leakage allows you to resume a normal life. Start with the most discreet level that provides adequate protection, and adjust as your recovery progresses.
Two types of protection depending on the extent of the leaks
Two absorption levels from the same range, sold in online pharmacies. These are just examples: a pharmacist or nurse can advise you on the appropriate level.
For major leaks or at night
When a pad of protection slipped into the underwear is not enough, absorbent underwear takes over.
Sexuality and fertility
After a resection, ejaculation often becomes retrograde: semen is no longer ejaculated externally, but the sensation remains the same, explains the NHS. After a radical prostatectomy, ejaculation ceases, leading to infertility, and erectile dysfunction is common. The INCa (National Cancer Institute) indicates that the progression of these problems depends in particular on pre-operative erections and nerve preservation, and that several months may be necessary; treatments are available. Don't hesitate to discuss this with your urologist.
Signs that should prompt a call
The NHS requires urgent medical advice following a resection in the following cases:
- fever, chills or sensation of hot and cold;
- sudden inability to urinate: see difficulty urinating after an operation ;
- bleeding from the penis, or blood in the urine in clots;
- swollen or red penis.
The French National Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie) also lists phlebitis among the complications to watch out for: pain and swelling in a calf require prompt medical attention. See the symptoms of phlebitis.
Emergency: sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting after the operation: immediately call 15 (SAMU) in France, or 112 from any European country. Do not drive yourself.
F.A.Q
How long do the leaks last?
They are usually temporary, but their duration varies depending on the procedure and the individual. The INCa (National Cancer Institute) indicates that treatment is offered if they persist beyond one year after a prostatectomy.
Are the protective items reimbursed?
Ask the doctor and pharmacist what can be covered in your situation: commercially available incontinence products are hygiene products.
When can I get back to cycling or playing sports?
The NHS advises avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks after a resection. For cycling and other sports, ask your surgeon for approval.
Institutional sources
- Health Insurance, Treatments for prostate adenoma (October 10, 2024), accessed on October 23, 2026.
- Health Insurance, Treatment of prostate cancer (March 10, 2026), accessed on October 23, 2026.
- Health Insurance, Living after prostate cancer (January 15, 2024), accessed on October 23, 2026.
- National Cancer Institute, Radical Prostatectomy (October 27, 2025), accessed on October 23, 2026.
- NHS, Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): recovery (review of June 12, 2025), accessed on October 23, 2026.
Editorial note: This article was written on October 23, 2026, using institutional sources consulted on that date. It provides information without offering a diagnosis or replacing the advice of your healthcare team. Internal reference: operation-prostate-recuperation-20261023.
