The Benefits of an Artificial Urinary Sphincter After Prostatectomy

Outside of skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men — nearly 314,000 American men were diagnosed in 2025. In some of these cases, removing the prostate is the wisest course of action, which explains why 90,000 prostatectomies are performed each year in the United States. 

While a prostatectomy can be life-saving, some of its side effects can present quality-of-life issues. Post-prostatectomy incontinence tops the list, as it affects up to 87% of patients. In most cases, this side effect improves within a year, but not for everyone. This is where an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) can make all the difference. 

At our practice, board-certified urologist Robert J. Cornell routinely performs prostatectomies and often follows up with an artificial urinary sphincter if there’s ongoing incontinence. Here’s what you should know about post-prostatectomy incontinence and how an AUS may restore bladder control.

Why post-prostatectomy incontinence is so common

The problem with removing your prostate lies in its proximity to your lower urinary tract. Your prostate gland encircles your urethra right where it meets your bladder, which makes sense given that your prostate adds fluid to semen that helps carry and nourish sperm as it exits your penis.

Under normal circumstances, your sphincter at this junction controls the release of urine. When we perform a prostatectomy, damage to this sphincter is often unavoidable, and most men face some degree of urinary incontinence after their procedure.

In a majority of cases, urinary function and control return within a year, but this isn’t the case for everyone. One of the strongest reasons is age: Older men who undergo a prostatectomy often have sphincters that are weaker and don’t bounce back as easily. Obesity is another risk factor for sphincter malfunction.

Regaining control over your urinary tract with an artificial sphincter

For men who are still struggling with post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence, an artificial urinary sphincter is the gold standard for regaining control over urination.

With an AUS, we implant a reservoir of liquid, a cuff around your urethra, and a pump in your scrotum. When in action, this system fills the cuff around your urethra with liquid, which keeps your urine where it belongs — in your bladder.

When you need to pee, you simply squeeze the pump to release the pressure, and urine will flow out. When you finish, the cuff will re-pressurize with liquid again to hold urine in your bladder.

This artificial sphincter system works well to control your urination at all times. This includes managing climacturia, which is the release of urine during sex and climax. So, your AUS can not only improve your urinary health, but your sexual health, too.

Even better, once we implant it, your artificial urinary sphincter can last for years, giving you much-needed peace of mind.

So, if you’re struggling with post-prostatectomy incontinence, we strongly recommend that you explore an artificial urinary sphincter with us. Contact our Houston office today to schedule a consultation.