LIVING WITH INCONTINENCE
Incontinence exercise
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Urine left in the bladder after voiding can cause issues, so follow these simple steps to ensure its completely emptied, every time.
If you’re struggling to empty your bladder completely when you go to the toilet, you’re not alone. Discover why this is happening and try these tips to better empty your bladder.
The most common type of urinary retention is chronic, meaning it occurs slowly over time, and may be quite progressed before you notice.
Urine retention is more common in older men, with an enlarged prostate the typical cause. The prostate gland sits below the bladder, and the tube that transports urine from the bladder to outside the body (called the urethra), runs through it. As men age, the prostate gets larger, squeezing the urethra and restricting urine flow which can result in urine being left behind.
Women also experience urine retention, often due to a prolapse . A prolapse is when organs in the pelvis (the vagina, bladder, and colon) drop out of position, causing a ‘kinks’ or placing pressure on the urethra, restricting optimal urine flow. Prolapses can also occur slowly over time.
The other common factor causing the bladder not to empty completely is poor bladder and bowel habits. Persistent constipation, for example, will reduce your ability to void your bladder entirely as accumulated and hardened faecal matter in the bowel presses against the bladder and urethra.
Less common issues include nerve damage and neurological diseases that inhibit clear messages between the brain and bladder or interfere with the sensations that indicate when the bladder is full or empty.
Sudden (known as acute) and complete urinary retention is extremely rare and usually caused by a blockage such as a kidney or bladder stone. If this happens, you must go to the emergency department immediately, as it can be fatal.
Urine left in the bladder can cause problems, including incontinence.
Retained urine is susceptible to bacterial infection, which can trigger a urinary tract infection (UTI), a bladder infection (cyclitis), and potentially lead to a kidney infection (pyelonephritis). Infections can cause the bladder to contract involuntarily, resulting in a sudden, urgent, and uncontrollable need to urinate.
Similarly, if the urine is or becomes highly concentrated, it can irritate the bladder and lead to involuntary contracts. This is known as urge incontinence
Long-term urine retention can damage the bladder and kidneys, so don’t ignore it.
If the cause of your retention is poor habits, a few easy lifestyle changes should correct the issue and keep it at bay.
If you’re not emptying your bladder fully because you’re rushing and not paying enough attention or have constipation, you can correct that yourself. However, if the cause is an enlarged prostate or a prolapse, you must see a doctor. Neither of these conditions will fix themselves and, without medical attention, will continue to progress. Your doctor will determine the best treatment.
If you’ve become aware that your bladder is not completely emptying when you go to the toilet, try these tips and techniques. However, if the problem persists, there is likely an underlying cause that should be checked by your doctor.
Asaleo Care makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional, medical or other health professional advice.