Is urinary incontinence a side effect of prostate surgery?

Urinary incontinence is a relatively common side effect of prostate surgery, according to WebMD. Urinary incontinence can also be caused by radiation treatments for prostate cancer.

Due to the proximity of the prostate and the urinary sphincter and nerves, prostate surgery often disrupts the normal operation of these bodily systems, according to Male Incontinence Solutions.

The degree of incontinence caused by prostate cancer is often underestimated by patients, according to U.S. News and World Report. While patients are warned of the risks, the social impacts of wearing padding and potential erectile dysfunction are often not fully realized until after the surgery.