My uncle’s bladder problem

My Uncle had prostate surgery a few years ago to remove his prostate for cancer. Now he said it is hard to empty his bladder and the muscles are very weak. What can he do?

Fatima (by SMS)

Your Uncle’s situation is understandable. Difficulty emptying the bladder and weak muscles can be long-term effects of prostate surgery, even after many years. The good news is there are options to help him regain control and improve his bladder function.

Kindly see a urologist (specialist in the urinary tract and male reproductive system) to assess his condition, determine the cause of the weak muscles, and recommend the best course of treatment. He can also do pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises (Kegels).

These exercises strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and urethra, which can significantly improve bladder control. A physical therapist can teach him proper Kegel techniques. Depending on the diagnosis, medications might help relax the bladder muscles or strengthen contractions.

Intermittent Catheterization is also very useful. If complete bladder emptying is difficult, this technique involves inserting a thin tube (catheter) into the bladder to drain urine periodically.

Bladder Retraining Techniques: These involve strategies to improve bladder control, such as scheduled urination and double voiding (urinating twice in a row). It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle such as drinking plenty of fluids (except for bladder irritants like caffeine or alcohol) and avoiding constipation can contribute to better bladder function.

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