Urinary retention

Urinary Retention

Urinary retention is a medical condition characterized by the inability to empty the bladder completely. It can be acute or chronic and may result from a variety of causes, including obstruction, nerve problems, or medications.

Causes

Urinary retention can be caused by several factors, which can be broadly categorized into obstructive and non-obstructive causes.

Obstructive Causes

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Urethral stricture
• Bladder stones
• Tumors in the pelvic region
• Constipation

Non-Obstructive Causes

• Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or stroke
• Medications such as anticholinergics, antihistamines, and certain antidepressants
• Infections such as urinary tract infection
• Surgery affecting the pelvic region

Symptoms

The symptoms of urinary retention can vary depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic.

Acute Urinary Retention

• Sudden inability to urinate
• Severe pain in the lower abdomen
• Urgent need to urinate
• Swelling of the lower abdomen

Chronic Urinary Retention

• Frequent urination
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine stream
• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• Urinary incontinence

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of urinary retention involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.

• Medical history and symptom review
• Physical examination including a digital rectal exam for men
• Bladder scan to measure post-void residual volume
• Urodynamic tests to assess bladder function
• Cystoscopy to visualize the urethra and bladder

Treatment

Treatment for urinary retention depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, catheterization, or surgery.

Medications

• Alpha-blockers to relax the muscles of the bladder neck and prostate
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for BPH
• Antibiotics for infections

Catheterization

• Intermittent catheterization
• Indwelling catheter

Surgery

• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
• Urethral dilation
• Prostatectomy

Complications

If left untreated, urinary retention can lead to serious complications such as:

• Bladder damage
• Kidney damage
• Urinary tract infections
• Bladder stones

Prevention

Preventive measures for urinary retention include:

• Regular medical check-ups
• Managing underlying conditions such as BPH
• Avoiding medications that can cause urinary retention
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

See Also

• Urinary incontinence
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Urodynamics

External Links

• [American Urological Association](https://www.auanet.org)
• [National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases](https://www.niddk.nih.gov)