Impotence is nearly always treatable. There are a variety of external appliances, surgical implants or penile injection techniques that function quite well. Over 85 percent of patients and their mates are satisfied with the results of these methods.
Patients who become incontinent after the surgical removal of the prostate or radiation therapy have a wide selection of incontinence aids—diapers, condom catheters and penile clamps, for example— to collect urine, protect the skin and maintain hygiene. Exercises to try to strengthen the urethral sphincter muscle are usually not helpful but are worth the try.
The leaking will often subside after 6 to 12 months. If not, surgically inserted sphincter implants are successful in about three-quarters of patients. Recent experiments with collagen and Teflon injections seem encouraging. Drugs such as Pro-Banthine or oxybutinine reduce bladder contraction and may control the wetness.
