Treating prostate cancer isn’t just about beating the disease itself – it’s about navigating the unexpected side effects that follow. Bladder leaks. Erectile dysfunction. These are common, and often unspoken challenges that can really impact your self-esteem and your personal relationships.
But here’s what you must remember: you’re not alone – and you’re not powerless. Talking openly with your doctor is key, so you can shape a care plan that restores your confidence and well-being.1
Why we need to talk about this
The Movember movement aims to change the face of men’s health – tackling mental health, suicide, prostate and testicular cancer head on.2 And this month, we want to address an area people don’t usually talk about – your pelvic health. It’s so often overlooked and misunderstood – yet it’s the foundation for feeling strong, enjoying intimacy, staying active and living life to the full.3
Post-prostate surgery (prostatectomy)
Every person’s journey with prostate cancer is unique. Sometimes, treating prostate cancer means surgery to remove some or all of the prostate gland. There are different ways to do this, but all come with similar challenges. These symptoms can feel frustrating and embarrassing, but they’re also treatable – and talking about them is the first step toward recovery. These can include: 4
What’s happening in your body?
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles shaped like a hammock that stretch from your tailbone at the back to your pubic bone at the front. They play a key role in supporting your bladder control, core stability and sexual function.6
Surgery can disrupt how these muscles and nerves work, but with the right tools and awareness, you can retrain and rebuild them. Let’s explore two pelvic health interventions and devices that could help to speed up your recovery.
1. Pelvic floor exercises
Yes, men can – and should – do pelvic floor exercises (also known as Kegels), as part of both prehab and rehab. A publication from Prostate Cancer UK suggests that if you’re undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer, these exercises are safe to do during and after your course of treatment 7.1, but you should always check with your doctor first. If you’re having surgery, it’s recommended you start training four to six weeks beforehand. After the procedure, you can begin exercises as soon as your catheter has been removed – but always ensure you go at a pace that feels right for you. 7.2 If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your medical team for advice. Kegel exercises can be tricky to master, but clinician-developed tools like the Empelvic cushion are designed to help you perform them effectively. Simply follow the tutorials that combine targeted pressure with guided breathwork – just five minutes of training a day can make a noticeable difference.
“Prehab makes a significant difference in post-prostatectomy recovery. The Empelvic cushion gives men real-time feedback on how their pelvic floor is working, helping them build awareness and control before surgery and regain function more quickly afterwards. Most men don’t know what their pelvic floor is supposed to feel like. The cushion takes the guesswork out of it and supports continence and sexual function in a clear, practical way.” Jayne Pelvic health coach & osteopath
2. Vacuum therapy
If you’re dealing with erectile dysfunction, there are effective ways to support your recovery while rebuilding pelvic floor strength. One key approach is penile rehabilitation, which focuses on helping erections return after prostate surgery. Oxygen-rich blood is vital for healthy tissue, but without regular blood flow, the muscle in the penis can start to weaken within just a few months. Keeping that circulation going is essential for long-term recovery.8 That’s where vacuum therapy, like the Rapport system, comes in. It is a simple solution to draw (and hold) blood into the penis, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection. This not only supports tissue health but also helps you maintain intimacy. Combining vacuum therapy with pelvic floor exercises can speed up physical recovery and improve overall well-being.
“I used the Empelvic cushion before and 12 weeks after my prostate surgery, and it helped me actually get my pelvic floor working again. I’m using Rapport now – you’ve got to use it regularly if you want things to improve. It’s not just about the fun part, it’s about getting the muscle working properly, and it’s essential for any kind of recovery. Blokes don’t talk about this stuff, but honestly, the right tools make a huge difference.” Martyn
You’re still you
Recovery isn’t linear and some days will feel better than others. And that’s okay. But don’t settle for symptoms as your new normal. Keep talking to your doctor about what you’re experiencing so you can get the right support. And remember, whether it’s a support group, a rugby team, or meeting a mate for a drink – you’re not the only one going through this and talking about it really helps.
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Sources
1. ZERO Prostate Cancer. (n.d.) Side effects of prostate cancer treatment. Available at: https://zerocancer.org/treatment-options/side-effects (Accessed: 12 November 2025). 2. Movember. (n.d.) Changing the face of men’s health. Available at: https://uk.movember.com/ (Accessed: 12 November 2025).
3. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.) Kegel exercises for men: Understand the benefits. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/kegel-exercises-for-men/art-20045074 (Accessed: 12 November 2025).
4. Pelvic Health Solutions. (n.d.) Post-prostatectomy. Available at: https://pelvichealthsolutions.ca/knowledge-base/post-prostatectomy (Accessed: 12 November 2025).
5. Cancer Research UK. (n.d.). Problems after prostate cancer surgery. Cancer Research UK. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment/surgery/problems-after-prostate-surgery (Accessed: 13 November 2025).
6. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (n.d.) A guide to the pelvic floor muscles for men. Available at: https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/media/in3ekdyl/74150guide.pdf (Accessed: 12 November 2025).
7. Prostate Cancer UK. (n.d.) Pelvic floor muscle exercises. Available at: https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/living-with-prostate-cancer/pelvic-floor-muscle-exercises (Accessed: 12 November 2025).
8. Vardi, Y., et al. (2013) Mechanism of Action and Clinical Applications of Vacuum Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction. Journal of Sexual Medicine, [online] Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3784970/ (Accessed: 12 November 2025).
