Urinary retention is when the bladder (where you store your urine) does not empty all the way or at all. It can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term). Acute means it comes on real quick or is very bad. Chronic means you have had it for a while.
The acute form is an emergency. You need to see a doctor right away. The chronic form occurs most of the time in older men, but it can also occur in women.
There is more than one cause. It can happen when something blocks the free flow of urine through the bladder and urethra. The urethra is the tube that takes urine from the bladder out of the body. The problem can also be caused by using medications such as antihistamines (which treat allergic rhinitis and other allergies) antispasmodics (smooth muscle spasm) and tricyclic antidepressants (affect mood and emotions) that can change the way the bladder muscle works.
Passing your urine occurs when the brain tells the bladder muscle to tighten. This squeezes urine from the bladder. The brain then tells the sphincter muscles to relax. This lets the flow of urine go through the urethra and out of the body. Anything that gets in the way on the path from the brain to the nerves that go to the bladder and the urethra can also cause this problem. Urinary retention from nerve disease occurs at the same rate in men and women.
For men, a blockage can be caused when the prostate gland gets so big that it presses on the urethra. This is the most common cause of chronic urinary retention in men. One cause in women is a bladder that drops. This is called a cystocele. It can also be caused when the rectum drops into the back wall of the vagina. This is called a rectocele.
A urethral stricture is when the urethra narrows. This can happen in both men and women.
In men, an infection of the prostate can cause it to swell. This causes it to press on the urethra to block the flow of urine. A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause swelling of the urethra to cause this problem. Diseases spread by having sex (called STDs) can also cause swelling and lead to retention.
The bladder may not work right because there is a problem getting the messages from the brain to the bladder and urethra through the nerve pathway. Possible causes include stroke, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, trauma to the spine or pelvis, pressure on the spinal cord from tumors, and a herniated disk. In women, vaginal childbirth can sometimes damage nerve pathways that control going.
Some types of drugs affect bladder muscle function as a side effect and can cause this problem. These include drugs called anticholinergics, the older drugs for depression, antihistamines, some blood pressure-lowering drugs, antipsychotics, hormonal agents, and muscle relaxants.
Medicine given before and during surgery to make you sleepy may cause urinary retention right after surgery. Procedures such as hip replacement, rectal surgery, surgery for women’s issues, and surgery to remove hemorrhoids can cause the problem afterward.
The signs can vary. Some people with chronic form have a hard time starting the flow of urine. Some have a weak flow once they start. Others may feel the need to go but can’t start. Others have to go a lot, while others still feel the need to go right after going. You may “leak” urine when you aren’t going because the bladder is full.
With the acute form, you are all of a sudden not able to go at all. This occurs even though you have a full bladder. See a doctor right away if this happens to you.
The doctor will ask about your signs and symptoms and how long you have had them. He or she will also ask about your medical history and your drug use. A physical exam of the lower abdomen (belly) may show the cause or give the doctor clues. After this, certain tests may be needed. Men may have a rectal exam to check the size of their prostate.
Cystoscopy is a test in which a thin tube with a tiny camera on one end is put into the urethra. This lets the doctor look at pictures of the lining of your urethra and bladder. This test may show a stricture of the urethra or blockage caused by a stone or an enlarged prostate or a tumor.
Urodynamic Evaluation is testing that uses a catheter to record pressure within the bladder that may be done to tell how well the bladder empties. The rate at which urine flows can also be measured by such tests.
Urinary retention is a condition in which a person is unable to completely empty their bladder. This can occur for a number of reasons, but one of the most common causes is prostate enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Fortunately, there are several treatment options and preventative measures that can help manage urinary retention.
One common treatment for BPH-related urinary retention is a procedure called transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). During this procedure, a surgeon uses a small instrument to remove part of the prostate gland that is blocking the flow of urine. This can significantly improve the amount of urine that a person is able to pass.
In addition to surgical options, there are also medications available for managing urinary retention. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are a type of medication that can help shrink the prostate gland, thereby reducing the symptoms of BPH. It is important to note that these medications can take several months to be effective, and may have side effects such as decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
Preventative measures for urinary retention can also be helpful in managing the condition. Pelvic floor muscle exercises, such as Kegels, can help strengthen the muscles that control urination. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol can also be helpful, as these substances can irritate the bladder and increase the urge to urinate.
In cases of acute urinary retention, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. This condition occurs when the bladder is completely unable to empty, and can be a medical emergency. Monitoring prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and regular checkups with a healthcare provider can also help catch potential issues before they become more serious.
Urinary retention can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right treatment and preventative measures, it is possible to significantly improve your quality of life.
Bladder symptoms such as urgency, pain, visible blood in the urine, or difficulty emptying often share common causes and may occur together over time. At UroHealth Partners, these problems are evaluated within a dedicated Bladder Health program that looks at infection risk, stones, obstruction, nerve function, and long-term bladder safety.
If you are dealing with recurring or multiple bladder issues, exploring our broader Bladder Health services can help you see what other evaluations and treatments may support better control, comfort, and protection of your urinary tract.
The attentive, compassionate health professionals at UroHealth Partners are committed to providing innovative, quality patient care in our state-of-the-art facility.
From screening and prevention to treatment and recovery, our Omaha and Council Bluffs doctors will be there for you. Our team of dedicated physicians has been serving residents of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota for more than 25 years.