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The Canadian Cancer Society states 21 300 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017 (1). This represents 21% of all new cancer cases in men. Early detection and treatment methods have improved dramatically in the past 20 years. Thankfully men are surviving cancer. However, they are often left with commonly reported symptoms of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction post-prostate surgery. Reports of post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence range from 1-90%, and almost 60% of men with prostate surgery will report some form of erectile dysfunction 18 months later (2,3).

The Leia Prostate Program works on movement strategies and bladder and bowel habits to maximize continence. The goal is to allow a return to activities without worrying about wet underwear. The program is easy to follow and has demonstrated a high success rate.

Cheryl Leia is a pelvic health physiotherapist and the developer of the program. She teaches men this four-session program in person or by telehealth, making the program accessible regardless of where you live.

The cost is four one-hour physiotherapy sessions. This is a great deal as Incontinence products can cost anywhere between $600- $2,000 a year. They are also annoying, bulky, and can be socially awkward.

In session one, you will learn the following:

• How to stay when you get up and down from sitting.
• How to stay dry when walking or hiking.
• You will be taught Cals Kegels. These Kegels you don’t have to think about, and they are easy to do.
• Initiation of volume-based bladder retraining.
• Initiation bowel retraining

in session 2, you will learn the following:

• How to stay dry when you cough, sneeze or laugh.
• Evaluation of bladder filling and emptying.
• Management techniques to improve awareness of bladder filling.
• How to use your three balance systems to improve pelvic muscle responsiveness.
• How to create pelvic support and stay dry during activities/sports in the squat position.

In session 3, you will learn the following:

• Traditional pelvic floor exercises with a focus on eccentric strength and power
• How to evaluate bladder control.
• Fun and easy exercises for quick turns, small jumps, and lifting objects.
• The value in keeping your rectum empty.

In session 4, you will learn the following.

• How to evaluate and mitigate what may still cause leaks.
• You should feel comfortable and confident returning to activities and exercises you like.
• The relationship between fall risk, pelvic health, and other health benefits.

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People with a penis have pelvic floors, too! The anatomy is slightly different, meaning pelvic health concerns aren’t the same as women’s. Men’s pelvic health concerns often center around erectile dysfunction, bladder and bowel incontinence, post-prostatectomy complications, and pain. A thorough pelvic floor physio assessment will guide us in your care plan and help you reverse and manage the above symptoms

Men’s Pelvic Health Support

Book Individual Physiotherapy Either in person or Telerehabilitation

A 1:1 physiotherapy appointment will give you the individualized education, exercises, and strategies you need to rehabilitate, retrain, and maximize your pelvic floor function.

Frequently Asked Questions About Men’s Pelvic Health