Male Bladder Problems
Are you experiencing some bladder symptoms?
An enlarged prostate can cause poor flow rate or difficulty emptying the bladder fully, in some cases leading to urinary urgency and frequency. Urinary urgency is a sudden, strong or uncontrolled need to pass urine. Daytime frequency is a need to pass urine more often than is normal and nocturia is waking overnight to pass urine. If you have had surgery to remove the prostate then issues you may develop include urinary leakage called ‘stress urinary incontinence’. This is a leakage of urine during times of physical activity that puts pressure on the bladder such as coughing, sneezing, lifting and changing position.
**It is important that if you experience new bladder or bowel symptoms that you discuss this with your GP**
**It is important that if you experience new bladder or bowel symptoms that you discuss this with your GP**
Have you had treatment for prostate cancer?
Men diagnosed with prostate cancer may have an operation where the whole prostate gland is removed or they may be offered radiotherapy. Depending upon the treatment some bladder problems may occur. Radiotherapy can cause inflammation and irritation to the bladder which is more likely to cause some issues with urinary urgency and frequency. Removal of the prostate gland reduces the support around the bladder and along with muscle and nerve disruption. Urinary incontinence is expected during recovery which is more likely to be stress urinary incontinence. This is a leakage of urine during times of physical activity that puts pressure on the bladder such as coughing, sneezing, lifting and changing position.
By improving your pelvic floor function and engaging in good lifestyle habits such as good bowel habits, healthy bladder advice and weight management these symptoms can significantly improve.
By improving your pelvic floor function and engaging in good lifestyle habits such as good bowel habits, healthy bladder advice and weight management these symptoms can significantly improve.
Introductory Video
Prostate Cancer
If you have been affected by prostate cancer please visit Maggie's Dundee website and see their video below. Maggie's Dundee has a men's help group that meets monthly and can be a great support to men. You may also wish to have a look at Prostate Scotland, Prostate Cancer UK website and their You Tube Channel for more information and videos.
What Next?
Please see our section below on How to Improve your Symptoms but also visit our Lifestyle & Physical Activity Section
