Problems with Urine retention after Colonoscopy

Posted by cent66 @cent66, May 18, 2023

Had the colonoscopy procedure, after completion and removal of 2 non cancerous polypos, I noted I felt bloated, etc. After about a week of this bloat, I was unable to pass urine and had the foley catheter. One week later, the catheter was removed, and I had the void test, could not pass urine. Is there any connection between colonoscopy and urine retention? Prior to Colon test, I had no trouble passing urine...Ideas?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Men's Health Support Group.

ryan000000000bski | @ryan000000000bski | May 18, 2023

I had no problems like that. Had endoscopy/colonoscopy together. Don't forget that anesthesia can give problems. Bodies can react to anesthesia. Constipation, dehydration, inflammation. I would definitely talk to your doctor. Good luck and be well.

cent66 | @cent66 | May 19, 2023

Thank you, another doctor visit next week. Getting depressed....

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 19, 2023

In reply to @cent66 "Thank you, another doctor visit next week. Getting depressed...." + (show)

@cent66, Sorry you are having to go through this following your colonoscopy. My last colonoscopy was pretty miserable but I didn't have urine retention. My issue was a bilateral inguinal hernia and constipation. I hope you get some answers at your next appointment.
Here's some information that sounds like it's close to what you describe.

--- Urinary Bladder Injury During Colonoscopy Without Colon Perforation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5534494/

cent66 | @cent66 | May 19, 2023

Thank you....I'll check it out....very helpful !!

Duke | @robtjsr | May 21, 2023

Having urine leakage constantly after prostate operation many years ago.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 28, 2023

In reply to @robtjsr "Having urine leakage constantly after prostate operation many years ago." + (show)

@cent66, I wanted to check to see if the urine retention issues resolved. How are you doing?

@robtjsr, Duke. Is the urine leakage an ongoing issue? Was the operation for prostate cancer or PBH or something else?

cent66 | @cent66 | May 29, 2023

Still having the retention issue...Doctor has a CYSTOSCOPY for the 29th of June. I have had the Foley, in and out for nearly a year now....very frustrating.

greenstream | @greenstream | Nov 22, 2023

In reply to @cent66 "Still having the retention issue...Doctor has a CYSTOSCOPY for the 29th of June. I have had..." + (show)

Did you figure out this issue ?

My mother had a colonoscopy complication including perforation in her sigmoid colon just as entering and exiting the colon (procedure aborted) and has had a foley catheter in since day of colonoscopy (Friday Nov 17) and it is now Nov 22. On Friday she couldn’t push out the urine and was in extreme pain. Then, they inserted Foley catheter in order to remove her urine. It’s quite dark/orangeish but doesn’t look like there’s blood in her urine. I’m thinking maybe her bladder was bruised or weakened or something but the doctors have not once mentioned her bladder in five days despite complains of abdominal pain especially after barium CT scan. This hospital has been pretty negligent/many red flags have been experienced since Friday…. Anyways, any feedback or updates on your situation might help me help them resolve my moms issue…

please let me know on what needed up happening…..

lovelearn | @lovelearn | Jun 8 11:22pm

I had a routine colonoscopy and next morning had lots of pain and was first morning since I was 12 that I didn’t wake up with an erection.. Went to hospital and they said my appendix was infected and about to burst. After closer examination by second doctor, they determined it was just air. He let it slip that they must have used WAY too much air. I have not had an erection since. Doctors refused to admit it was related. Finally found a doctor who did a pelvic MRI and I have a damaged prostate. Have you had an MRI to see if this might be the same case for you? I hear lots of men taking about ED and urinary issues after a routine colonoscopy and it certainly isn’t listed in the complications warnings. It’s made such a horrible impact on my life! I’m only 52 and my wife and I have not been able to have sex for the last two years! It’s emotionally devastating as well when you can’t perform. My wife and a lot of our friends now refuse to have a colonoscopy after seeing just how many people have life altering problems after one. No “routine screening” should cause significant permanent problems in as many people as this does!

Phil, Alumni Mentor | @upstatephil | Jun 9 6:59am

@lovelearn - What a unfortunate set of circumstances. While I know there are colonoscopy risks - I’ve never encountered anyone with your particular outcomes. Colon cancer is such a risk - it’s a big decision to discontinue periodic colonoscopies.

As for ED - you’re so young! Please don’t give up, yet, on finding a solution for yourself. After years of struggle and failed attempts using about every pill, cream, and device - I located a urologist with an ED specialty and he was associated with a great clinic (Mayo) so I was confident his practice wasn’t some sort of ED scam.

That was a happy ten years ago and my ED has been effectively managed. Don’t give up! It took me a few years to find an effective solution. Keep digging!