Climacturia is the leakage of urine during orgasm. This condition can be embarrassing and uncomfortable during intercourse, but measures such as urinating before the crucial moment can help prevent it. Learn how to address this issue.
A common condition after prostate removal surgery and also in men with urinary incontinence, climacturia can affect sexual life — after all, an unrequested “golden shower” can disrupt a pleasurable moment.
In climacturia, the amount of urine varies, ranging from a few drops to a larger quantity. Regardless of the volume, there are treatments that can help contain this leakage. Keep reading to learn what to do and how to cope with the situation.
What Is Climacturia and What Causes It?
Climacturia is the term given to the involuntary and unwanted release of urine at the time of orgasm.
This condition affects some men who have undergone prostate surgery, especially radical prostatectomy, which removes the gland to treat prostate cancer. The main explanation is that, during this type of procedure, structures responsible for urinary control — such as the urinary sphincter — may be damaged or removed.
Climacturia can also appear in men who have some degree of urinary incontinence. When bladder control is already compromised, the muscle effort and pelvic contractions during orgasm can cause urine leakage.
How Does Climacturia Impact Men’s Sexual Life?
Climacturia affects a man’s well-being and confidence, ultimately impacting his sexual life.
The involuntary leakage of urine at the time of orgasm is often a source of shame and embarrassment, compromising spontaneity and sexual pleasure.
Additionally, the sense of lost masculinity and frustration over not being able to control one’s own body can greatly undermine self-esteem. Many men develop performance anxiety, a decrease in sexual desire, or, in some cases, avoid sexual activity altogether.
In relationships, the situation can create mutual discomfort, interfering with the couple’s intimacy and requiring open communication. Moreover, men may avoid new relationships out of fear of judgment or rejection.
It’s also worth noting that patients who have undergone prostate surgery may experience erectile dysfunction as a sequel, which poses an additional challenge to sexual life.
Recommended Treatments
Treatment for climacturia depends on the degree of urinary leakage and how it impacts the patient’s sexual life.
Often, following a few behavioral guidelines — such as emptying the bladder before sexual activity and doing Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor — can help address the issue.
In more complex cases, compressive devices, such as penile rings, can be used temporarily to control urine flow.
When the condition is associated with erectile dysfunction, surgical options that address both issues simultaneously may be considered.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Ease the Symptoms
In addition to medical treatments, certain day-to-day changes can help reduce episodes of climacturia and improve sexual life. Here are some recommendations:
- Reduce caffeine intake;
- Moderate your alcohol consumption;
- Maintain a healthy body weight to avoid putting pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor;
- Engage in regular physical activity;
- Strengthen the pelvic floor with Kegel exercises;
- Communicate openly with your partner;
- Seek psychological support.
Coping with the consequences of climacturia can be challenging, but adopting good habits can help restore self-esteem and quality of life after prostate surgery and its aftereffects.
The Relationship Between Climacturia and Male Sexual Dysfunction
It is very common for climacturia to be accompanied by erectile dysfunction, especially in those who have undergone prostate surgery.
This occurs because the nerves and muscles involved in erection and urinary control are very close together, and can be affected during a prostatectomy.
Additionally, frustration from the difficulty or inability to maintain an erection, combined with urine leakage during orgasm, tends to exacerbate sexual dysfunction.
Can a Penile Prosthesis Be an Option for Men Facing Persistent Climacturia?
Yes. In some cases, a penile prosthesis can be an alternative for persistent climacturia associated with severe erectile dysfunction.
Inflatable or malleable penile prostheses provide a firm and controlled erection, as they supplement the penis’s rigidity.
Aside from treating erectile dysfunction, surgery can also help control climacturia, especially when combined with an approach aimed at compressing the urethra.
It is possible to add a strip of tissue around the urethra, which lightly compresses the area. By doing so, urine leakage at the moment of ejaculation is prevented, addressing both conditions.
How Can a Urologist Help Diagnose and Treat Climacturia?
A urologist is the physician who will confirm the presence of climacturia and erectile dysfunction.
During a consultation, physical and clinical exams will be conducted to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem and guide the best treatment option for each individual.
This specialist may recommend habit changes, medications, injections, or a surgical procedure for placing a penile prosthesis.
Climacturia can trigger negative feelings, especially for patients who have already dealt with prostate cancer. Therefore, if you notice symptoms of climacturia, contact Dr. Paulo Egydio, who will offer empathetic and discreet care. With proper diagnosis and medical follow-up, many patients achieve significant improvements in their quality of life and sexual health.
