Pelvic Health Physiotherapy 2024
This information has been developed to supplement the information the Nurse practitioner or Doctor has already given you.
Contact details
Pelvic Health physiotherapy 01592 643 355
What is incomplete bladder emptying?
You may not be emptying your bladder properly if you need to go very soon after you have just had a pee, are passing small volumes of urine, are not getting any warning to go to the toilet, or your flow is weak and slow.
This can be due to:
- Pelvic floor muscle weakness which causes the bladder to shift backwards, creating a pocket where some urine can be left behind.
- Pelvic floor muscle tension/muscles do not fully relax when you empty your bladder.
- Obstruction of the pee tube (urethra) due to an enlarged prostate in men.
- Constipation.
Treatment
To tackle this, try these bladder emptying tips - you might find 1 or 2 of them more helpful than others
Techniques to empty properly
- Privacy and comfort are necessary to empty your bladder. Women should always sit down properly on the toilet with their feet supported. This allows the pelvic floor muscles to relax. This means that squatting or hovering over the toilet should be avoided. Men who find it difficult to relax the pelvic floor muscles can also try this.
- Take your time, do not rush.
- Get into the proper toilet position (feet on a stool if needed).
- Do deep belly breathing to try to relax your pelvic floor muscles. Imagine letting the pee tube open and relaxing your back passage.
- Keep breathing slowly and gently into your tummy as you pee.
- Do not push or strain to pee.
Double Voiding
Once you think you are finished try for a DOUBLE VOID (a second pee).
- Stay seated on the toilet for another 30 seconds and keep breathing.
- After your first pee, stand up, move around, and wiggle your bottom then sit down on the toilet and try to urinate again.
- Leaning forward and rocking may help you to pee. Especially if the pee is trapped due to prolapse.
- Some people find leaning forward and placing your elbows on to your knees can be effective.
More Tips and Tricks
- Tapping over the bladder (just above your pubic bone) with two fingers.
- Listening to running water.
- Stroke or tickle your lower back.
- Drinking slowly and regularly allows the bladder muscles to feel a gentle stretch. Then when it is time to pass urine, the bladder will have a better squeeze pressure.
- Trying to empty your bladder ‘just in case’ will likely add to your problem.
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.