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What Causes Weak Urine Flow With Inability To Empty Bladder?
Question: My urine flow has been weak, with an inability to completely empty my bladder for the past 20 years.
Around 20 years ago, I had extensive tests done, with no definitive conclusions.
12 years ago, I saw a urologist who wanted to do a procedure to fill my bladder with extremely hot water in hopes of the lining of the bladder to regenerate wall lining. I decided not to go through with it.
During the last 12 years is has been OK still having a weak stream; however, no pain at all, until now.
Last week, I decided to try an herbal UTI/ bladder remedy. I had a severe diarrhea r reaction after 3-4 days of use. I stopped taking it; however, my weak flow and difficulty emptying my bladder has worsened during the past 24 hours to the point that I have to work at forcing the urine out. It is not a dribble.
I now remember this is how I felt 20 years ago when I had the test done. The urologist prescribed antibiotics which did not help. My wife read an article that the problem could be caffeine. I eased up on my caffeine intake and the pain went away.
Over the years, acidic foods and alcohol make the problem worse.
I also take several supplements such as 2,000 vitamin C, CoQ 10, vitamin B, fishoil. and flushing niacin (prescribed by my doctor). No medications.
As of last night, I have stopped all intake of herbal supplements except for the niacin which I take each night.
What can I do? Should I drink a lot of water? I am concerned that my problem will be affected more if my bladder to extra full.
I have not run on the treadmill for the past 2 weeks. Could this help or hurt?
Please help.
Around 20 years ago, I had extensive tests done, with no definitive conclusions.
12 years ago, I saw a urologist who wanted to do a procedure to fill my bladder with extremely hot water in hopes of the lining of the bladder to regenerate wall lining. I decided not to go through with it.
During the last 12 years is has been OK still having a weak stream; however, no pain at all, until now.
Last week, I decided to try an herbal UTI/ bladder remedy. I had a severe diarrhea r reaction after 3-4 days of use. I stopped taking it; however, my weak flow and difficulty emptying my bladder has worsened during the past 24 hours to the point that I have to work at forcing the urine out. It is not a dribble.
I now remember this is how I felt 20 years ago when I had the test done. The urologist prescribed antibiotics which did not help. My wife read an article that the problem could be caffeine. I eased up on my caffeine intake and the pain went away.
Over the years, acidic foods and alcohol make the problem worse.
I also take several supplements such as 2,000 vitamin C, CoQ 10, vitamin B, fishoil. and flushing niacin (prescribed by my doctor). No medications.
As of last night, I have stopped all intake of herbal supplements except for the niacin which I take each night.
What can I do? Should I drink a lot of water? I am concerned that my problem will be affected more if my bladder to extra full.
I have not run on the treadmill for the past 2 weeks. Could this help or hurt?
Please help.
Brief Answer:
could be obstruction
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
What you have outlined is a fairly common complaint and most likely it is due to an obstruction of the outlet of bladder, quite often due to prostate or a tight bladder neck. This can be determined by getting an ultrasound of your kidneys and bladder and prostate done with a full bladder and after you have finished voiding to estimate if there is a residue.
A test called uroflowmetry will help decide how poor is the flow based on which you can be started on medications called alpha-blockers like silodosin or tamsulosin which should certainly help you. There is no reason to not take them over a long term unless you develop alarming side effects like giddiness and falls or if you derive no benefit whatsoever in which case you might have to get an endoscopic procedure done.
There are other tests you can get done like cystometry which are however rather specialized and not required right away but this will help determine if a weak bladder wall muscle could be the cause rather than any obstruction.
I think you can continue the other medication like niacin. It is not likely to affect your bladder and voiding habits.
Hope I have been of help
Best wishes.
could be obstruction
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
What you have outlined is a fairly common complaint and most likely it is due to an obstruction of the outlet of bladder, quite often due to prostate or a tight bladder neck. This can be determined by getting an ultrasound of your kidneys and bladder and prostate done with a full bladder and after you have finished voiding to estimate if there is a residue.
A test called uroflowmetry will help decide how poor is the flow based on which you can be started on medications called alpha-blockers like silodosin or tamsulosin which should certainly help you. There is no reason to not take them over a long term unless you develop alarming side effects like giddiness and falls or if you derive no benefit whatsoever in which case you might have to get an endoscopic procedure done.
There are other tests you can get done like cystometry which are however rather specialized and not required right away but this will help determine if a weak bladder wall muscle could be the cause rather than any obstruction.
I think you can continue the other medication like niacin. It is not likely to affect your bladder and voiding habits.
Hope I have been of help
Best wishes.
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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