I am 25 years old. The last 2-3 years I’ve had some bladder issues. When I go to the toilet, the pee often starts very slow and then almost stops and then begins again.

Question

Sometimes I’m not feeling that I empty my bladder - especially when I’ve been holding it for a while. Sometimes it’s almost normal. I don’t have a problem with holding on the pee, I don’t leak or have to rush to the bathroom. No problems with jumping, sneezing, laughing either. My doctor did some testing for infection which came out negative. I often have lower back pain and a small scoliosis. I have always been very active. Is there any thing I can do to improve this issue.

Pelvic Floor Answers

Urinary retention can have some of the same underlying issues as bladder weakness and building up pelvic floor strength to support and blood flow to the pelvic floor organs, and improve bladder control can be helpful.

There can be many reasons for bladder retention such as a hereditary issue (other women in your family may have the same problem) the shape of the urethra or a partial bladder prolapse all of which can make it difficult to properly empty the bladder.
Heavy lifting, weights training and standing still a lot, can affect the pelvic floor muscles and working to improve these can have a positive impact on back pain also.

Using Smart Balls can be a good first step to see if the issues can be resolved quite simply and quickly
Increasing your intake of water to ensure your system is well hydrated and ensuring your bladder is sufficiently full before emptying also assists with bladder training. This would mean waiting until you feel the urge to urinate then waiting 5-10 minutes longer and then going.

Smart Balls are easy to use and can help you identify your pelvic floor muscles to help you release them fully when going to the toilet.

I would recommend trialling the SmartBalls - initially the Smart Ball Uno for 6-8 weeks along with increasing your fluid (water) intake.

If you do not get any improvement from this then I would recommend making an appointment with a pelvic floor therapist for an assessment to see- they can offer some electric stimulation therapy and may be able to identify if you have a prolapsed bladder. This can occur as a result of pregnancy-childbirth and heavy lifting

They may then recommend seeking further more specialist help if you have a prolapsed bladder or an obstruction or require oestrogen replacement therapy

If you decide to go ahead and try the Smart Balls there are step by step instructions on how to use them. If after using them for 6-8 weeks you do not notice any improvement in your ability to empty your bladder then please get back in touch and we can assist you with the next steps.

If you notice some improvement, then we suggest continuing with the Smart Balls and possibly upgrading to the Smart Balls Due that offer a stronger pelvic floor workout.