On patient forums, recovery is measured in a unit no surgeon writes down: pads per day. "Three pads in month two, is that normal?" "Still one overnight pad at six months?" Behind every question, the same worry: will this end?
Short answer: for the large majority of men, yes, and the pelvic floor is the main lever you control. Here are the published benchmarks, without varnish.
The recovery benchmarks (published data)
Studies on rehabilitation after prostatectomy suggest that with consistent pelvic floor training, most men regain "social continence" (zero or one pad a day) over the first three to six months, and the large majority have regained it by one year. Numbers vary widely between studies and surgeries: age, surgical technique, and pelvic floor condition before the operation weigh heavily.
The escalation benchmark that recurs in protocols: if you are still using more than two pads a day at six months, stop "giving it time": ask for a referral to a pelvic floor physiotherapist specialized in men's health, and review options with your urologist.
Why the pelvic floor suddenly matters so much
The prostate was part of the mechanism that held urine back. Once it is removed, the sphincter and the pelvic floor take over on their own. A trained pelvic floor compensates faster: that is why rehabilitation is systematically recommended around this surgery, and why studies suggest training started before the operation ("prehab") speeds the return to continence.
The concrete plan
Male Kegels first, with proper technique (the lift at the base of the penis, not the glutes). Men's pelvic floor physiotherapy next, for feedback and programming. And when training volume plateaus, assisted strengthening can complement it: the Emsella chair at the partner pharmacy works the pelvic floor while you sit, clothed, 28 minutes per session. Whether the men's service is offered is confirmed at the consultation, along with what belongs to your urologist.
One thing said plainly: no chair replaces post-surgical follow-up. This journey happens with your care team, not instead of it.