When Your Bladder Doesn't Feel Empty
You've been to the toilet. You think you've finished. Then, before you've properly got on with your day, you feel as though you need to go again.
Perhaps you sit a little longer now, waiting to see if there's more. Or you find yourself going back to the bathroom sooner than you expected.
If this has become familiar, there are a few things worth understanding.
It's not always easy to tell what's happening
Pelvic organ prolapse can sometimes make it harder to empty your bladder.
You might notice that your urine flow is slower, that it takes longer to get started, or that you don't feel quite finished when you stand up.
But feeling that you need to go again doesn't necessarily mean there's urine left in your bladder.
Other bladder problems, including irritation or infection, can cause similar feelings. That's why it's worth getting these changes checked, rather than assuming they're all part of prolapse.
One question worth asking
If you've been wondering whether your bladder is emptying properly, you don't need to find the perfect words to explain it.
A healthcare professional may suggest a bladder scan after you've been to the toilet.
This can help show whether urine is remaining in your bladder and whether anything further needs to be looked at.
Before your appointment
You might have spent days thinking about what you want to ask, only to forget half of it when you're sitting in front of someone.
A few notes on your phone can help.
Does your urine flow seem different? Do you have to wait before it starts? Do you need to go again soon afterwards? Have you noticed any discomfort?
You don't need a detailed diary. Just a few things you've noticed that might help explain what's been happening.
When it's important to get help
If you suddenly cannot pass urine at all, particularly if your lower tummy feels painful or full, seek urgent medical help.
If you notice burning, pain, blood in your urine, fever or feel unwell, seek prompt medical advice.
And if you're regularly struggling to empty your bladder, it's worth arranging an appointment, even if you've been living with prolapse for some time.
This page offers general information and support. It cannot replace an individual medical assessment.
A little more support
Bladder changes are only one part of living with pelvic organ prolapse.
If you'd like to explore other questions, there are more gentle resources here at Floored & Fabulous.