Urine leaks during intimacy are a common concern, especially after prostate surgery or with certain medical conditions.  While it can feel frustrating or embarrassing, there are strategies that may help you feel more comfortable and confident. The tips below may be helpful if you are experiencing leakage related to prostate surgery, urinary ostomy, or another health condition. 

• Use a washable rubber sheet or towel to protect the bed in case of leaks. 

• A Shower or bath before, during, or after intimacy may help some people feel more at ease, especially if they have concerns about leakage. If you are intimate in the shower or tub, use caution to prevent falls.  

• If you think you may be intimate later, it may help to avoid foods that can make urine smell stronger, such as asparagus or some processed meats. 

• If you have a urinary ostomy, empty your pouch or catheterize before sex to help lower the chance of leaks or odor. 

• You may feel more comfortable using a soft pouch cover or a smaller pouch during sex. Ask your ostomy nurse what might work best for you. 

• Supportive belts or briefs that keep the ostomy appliance close to the body may help reduce leaks during sex. 

• Avoid positions in which your partner’s body rubs against your ostomy faceplate. 

• For many men, urine leaks during sex improve over time after prostate surgery. 

• Emptying your bladder beforehand may help, but it does not always prevent leaks. 

• Some men find that using a condom helps, especially during oral sex or if their partner feels uneasy about urine leakage. 

• Kegel exercises or pelvic floor therapy may also help improve bladder control. 

• Ask your care team if pelvic floor physical therapy may be helpful for you. 

Another option is a small device worn at the base of the penis to help reduce urine leakage during sex. Ask your care team if this might be right for you. 

If urine leakage is a problem in daily life as well as during sex, surgery may be another option. One treatment is an artificial urinary sphincter. This is a device placed inside the body that helps keep urine from leaking. When you want to urinate, you press a small pump under the skin to let the urine flow out. 

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