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Poor urine retention (male) and incomplete emptying? What helps?
Bladder Conditions | Last Active: Dec 31, 2025 | Replies (20)Comment receiving replies
I had a prostate cancer scare almost 4 years ago and I had a prostate biopsy done. Overnight after the biopsy, I could never empty my bladder again. My urine retention is absolutely awful. I can squeeze and strain, but only a little comes out. I have tried Kegel exercises, Flomax pills and nothing works. I have to self catharize daily, it's an absolute nightmare. I can retain nearly 2 liters before feeling like I have to empty my bladder. One of my testicles has permanently stayed higher than the other as well, not sure if this has anything to do with it. I am really struggling with this, any help would be great, thank you.
Replies to "I had a prostate cancer scare almost 4 years ago and I had a prostate biopsy..."
@christophers
I am a male and been self-cathing 9 years due they say to an over-stretched bladder. Got cathing down to a fine science to discretely hide from most friends. Although the ones who do know are very understanding, at least to my face. It is emotionally exhausting as Kelly says, especially if you're getting UTIs as an added bonus. If you don't feel like you have to urinate I'm surprised you don't just go ahead and cath every 4 hours to empty your bladder. Your doctor should have communicated some plan to you I'd think. I've done the Euro Lyft, to no help and I have good pressure they say. Interstem was suggested an option but everything I read says about 30-45% success rate is all. Not willing to potentially reverse where I am at this point since I can manage. Not ideal but I manage it. If they could just figure out why it feels like I have a monthly UTI but no bacterial growth. No medical professional has mentioned IC as a possibility.
Hang in there. You are not alone. You can handle this going forward. I'm new to this group but really appreciate the information and replies of others.
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@christophers, that sounds incredibly frustrating. What you’ve been living with since your biopsy isn’t just physically uncomfortable, it’s emotionally exhausting too.
I'm sorry to hear that you haven't found anything that has helped. I know you mentioned that your urologist said your bladder is overstretched and that's the cause. Did she offer that diagnosis after testing?