Strengthening prostate and bladder control

Many men* notice bladder symptoms that could be related to prostate gland changes as they age. These changes are common and can usually be managed, helping men to stay active and in control of their health.

This information for men explains how prostate changes can affect the bladder and the steps you can take to feel more confident and in control.

* References to ‘men’ or ‘women’ include anyone with similar health needs, regardless of sex at birth or gender identity. Read our Gender inclusivity statement.

A healthy bladder and prostate help support comfort, confidence and participation in daily life.

Understanding the prostate

The prostate is a small gland in men that sits just below the bladder and wraps around the urethra – the tube that carries urine (wee) from the bladder out of the body. The prostate helps make the fluid that protects and supports sperm.

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After mid-life (eg 45 years old), it’s natural for bodies to change, including how the bladder and prostate work together. The prostate may grow larger and press on the urethra (wee tube) which can make it harder to pass urine (wee). For some men, these changes may lead to incontinence – the accidental leaking of urine (wee).

How prostate changes may affect bladder health

Even if it feels like ‘just a little’ or manageable, small changes to bladder function are worth noticing as early action can help prevent bigger issues. Common changes include:

• finding it hard to start urinating (weeing)
• a weak or slow urine (wee) stream
• a need to urinate (wee) more than once at night
• a need to urinate (wee) more than 8 times during the day
• a sudden, urgent need to urinate (wee)
• leaking a little after finishing on the toilet
• burning or pain when urinating (weeing)
• feeling like your bladder is not fully empty after going to the toilet
• blood in the urine (wee)
• passing little or no urine (wee) – this needs urgent medical attention.

If you’re noticing changes like these, now is a good time to talk to a pelvic health physiotherapist or GP (doctor) to identify the cause and explore treatment options.

Incontinence affects people of all ages, genders, cultures and backgrounds and can be managed and often cured.

Prostate changes and what they mean

Understanding common prostate changes is an important step toward staying healthy, making informed choices and living with confidence and independence. Common causes include:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can lead to urinary (wee) incontinence as the prostate presses on the urethra (wee tube).

This is very common and your GP (doctor) can support you with a range of effective management options.

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Prostatitis

Prostatitis is when the prostate becomes swollen, leading to discomfort when urinating (weeing). It can sometimes be connected to a bladder infection and is more common in younger men. Talking to a GP (doctor) early can ease symptoms and support a smoother recovery.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is often identified through a PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test or physical exam. The PSA test helps show whether further checks are needed – results are interpreted alongside symptoms, examination and medical history. If cancer is found, your doctor will discuss the full range of treatment approaches and help you choose the option that best suits you.

If you feel pain or discomfort when emptying your bladder, a quick check-in with your doctor can help you get the right guidance and support early.

Practical steps to improve bladder and prostate health

Many men see improvements over time with the right support – your health professional can guide you on what to expect based on the type of treatment you choose.

1. Talk to a continence health professional

Book an appointment with a nurse continence specialist, pelvic health physiotherapist or doctor to check how your bladder is working and work out a plan that suits you.

Support options may include pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, continence products, lifestyle habits, surgery or medicines.

2. Pelvic floor exercises

Regular pelvic floor exercises can help improve bladder control, ease sudden urges and help you reach the toilet in time. Doing pelvic floor exercises correctly is a learned skill that involves tightening, holding and fully relaxing the muscles.

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Getting this technique right can make a big difference to your results. A pelvic health physiotherapist or nurse continence specialist can teach you the proper technique.

Call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 for free advice on how to exercise and relax your pelvic floor muscles, or to find a continence health service near you.

3. Bladder training

Bladder training can help your bladder hold more urine (wee) and reduce that sudden feeling of urgency by teaching your body to wait longer between toilet trips. A nurse continence specialist or pelvic health physiotherapist can work with you to create a personalised plan.

4. Continence products

Choosing the right continence products can make everyday life easier, keep you active and help you feel in control. Options include pads, disposable or reusable pants and condom drainage. With the right fit and guidance, most men can find a simple, discreet solution that supports their routine and wellbeing.

5. Lifestyle habits

These simple habits can support bladder health:

• eat high-fibre foods such as wholegrains and vegetables
• drink when you feel thirsty – water is best
• reduce alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks if they worsen your symptoms
• move your body (exercise) every day
• practice good toilet habits – go when your bladder feels full, take your time and relax.

6. Prostate surgery

For some men, prostate surgery may be recommended to relieve symptoms, remove blockages or treat prostate conditions. Surgery options may include a prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland) or a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) (removal of part of the prostate tissue that’s blocking urine wee flow). Some urinary (wee) incontinence is a common part of recovery and usually improves over time.

Surgery can affect the muscles that help control the flow of urine (wee) including the bladder neck sphincter (the bladder opening muscle). These muscles are important for holding and releasing urine (wee) and they often need time to strengthen and recover. After surgery you may not feel bladder fullness straight away, but sensation returns over time. Practising gentle ‘holding on’ can help your bladder recover.

Most men regain bladder control within 6 to 12 months, and support from health professionals can make this process easier and more reassuring.

7. Medicines

For some men, medicines can play a helpful role in easing prostate and bladder symptoms. Your health professional will guide you through whether this approach is suitable for you.

Tracking progress

Try a quick weekly check to track your progress:

• Did I do pelvic floor exercises most days this week?
• Am I drinking enough water?
• Am I eating enough high-fibre foods?
• Did I move my body each day?
• Did I notice any strong, sudden urges to go to the toilet?
• Was there a longer time between toilet visits?
• Was there less need to rush to the toilet?
• Did I experience fewer leaks?

When to seek help or advice

A GP (doctor) can support you with a prostate check if you notice changes in your toileting patterns. They may suggest you see a urologist to look at treatment options, or a nurse continence specialist or pelvic health physiotherapist to support improved bladder control.

Need help now?

Call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66. It’s free and confidential and staffed by nurse continence specialists. You can ask for an interpreter who speaks your language.

They can give advice and help you find a continence health professional near you.