I know this isn't a medical advice board. But other skaters (or at least hockey players) often have somewhat similar problems. Maybe someone here has received some advice. My urologist (a surgeon) is hard to reach and isn't very helpful.
I am over 65 & have an enlarged prostate, had a prostate biopsy, surgical entry in the perineal area. After a week, due to frequent urination and eventually back pain, I saw a urology team. Said I had an overfull bladder. They installed an indwelling (semi-permanent) catheter and urine bag, which fixed overfull bladder & back pain, but interferes with almost everything I enjoy.
Over the next two months I had a voiding trial, a cystoscopy & UDS (urodynamics). My prostate now blocks urination. The urology surgeon wants to perform TURP surgery, gives a 50-70% chance of success. If it fails, I will always need a catheter.
I want to try using exercise to fix the problem. What might help?
Before biopsy I skated and did other active sports, often hours/day, using techniques that focused on core muscles, especially abdominals, and did some stretches. But from the biopsy until a couple days ago I was told to refrain from exercise. Even now I am warned I may bleed a little from exercise, and did yesterday after skating 2 hours and hiking a little over an hour to and from the rink. (BTW, I had a lot of trouble skating, even at my low level. My muscles are very weak due to the enforced rest.)
Should I return to using abdominal and other core muscles? Some websites say extreme abdominal muscle training (e.g., weight lifting) can complicate urinary retention.
Some websites say to stretch, not strengthen, the pelvic floor.
https://cathywatsonphysio.ca/the-tight-male-pelvic-floor says male hockey players often develop similar problems due to turned out hips, which shortens pelvic floor muscles. Figure skating seems similar. Should I stop skating and similar sports?
I sometimes used to use gym machines to strengthen other muscles. Good or bad idea for this purpose?
Other exercises and stretches that might help?
The urology surgeon and hospital have average online ratings by patients. Is a better rated surgeon and hospital likely to do better?