Last updated on : 11 Nov, 2024
Read time : 10 min
Urinary retention is a condition where a person cannot fully empty their bladder. It may be sudden (acute) or ongoing (chronic). In acute cases, the urge to urinate is strong, but very little or no urine comes out, causing discomfort or pain. Chronic urinary retention develops gradually and may cause no pain but leads to frequent urges to urinate, weak flow, or difficulty starting. Causes can include blockages (like kidney stones or an enlarged prostate), nerve issues, or infections. Treatment options range from medications to, in severe cases, catheterization to relieve the bladder. Always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and care
Urinary retention can be sudden or last for a long time. When you have acute urinary retention, it means that it happens quickly and could be serious. If you have chronic urinary retention, it means you’ve had the problem for a long time.
Also read: Urinary Tract Infections
There are two main types of urinary retention: acute and chronic.
Both types can result from blockages, nerve problems, or infections, and treatment varies based on the underlying cause.
Urinary retention can be caused by a blockage that partially or fully prevents urine from leaving the bladder or urethra. It can also result from the bladder’s inability to generate enough force to completely empty itself.
Here are the main causes of urinary retention:
Also Read: Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Urinary retention is relatively common, especially as people age. Men over 50 are more likely to experience it due to prostate issues, with nearly 10% of men in this age group affected. Women can also experience urinary retention, though it’s less common, often due to conditions like bladder infections or nerve-related issues. Both acute and chronic urinary retention can impact people of any age, but the risk increases with age, certain medications, and underlying health issues. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
The urinary retention symptoms depends on whether it is acute or chronic. Urinary retention that is acute occurs suddenly and passes quickly. Even if their bladders are full, people with acute urine retention are unable to urinate. Chronic urinary retention develops with time. Urinating is possible for those who have chronic urine retention, but they are unable to entirely empty their bladders. The following are the primary signs of both acute and chronic urine retention:
There is an Acute Urinary Retention or Chronic Urinary Retention, and symptoms will be different for both conditions.
Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and conduct a physical examination as part of the diagnosing process. He or she will also inquire about your medical history and the use of any medications you may be taking.
To determine how much urine remains in your bladder after you urinate, an ultrasound of the bladder can be tested.
One end of a small tube with a tiny camera attached is inserted into the urethra during a cystoscopy procedure. In this way, your urethra and bladder lining can be viewed by the doctor.
It’s possible to conduct urodynamic testing, in this procedure that uses a catheter to measure the bladder’s pressure. These tests can also evaluate the rate at which urine is passing through the body.
Using electrodes and sensors, electromyography (EMG) measures the electrical activity of the muscles and nerves of the bladder and urethra.
The urinary retention treatment depends on its type and cause. Your doctor will first attempt to identify and address the underlying cause of your urine retention. But, if the retention worsens or persists, your doctor might have to use a catheter to remove the urine from your bladder. Your doctor may also prescribe certain medications such as medicines to improve the flow of urine and antibiotics or perform surgery if required. The detailed urinary retention treatment includes the following:
Bladder drainage is putting a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through your bladder to drain the pee. If you experience sudden acute urinary retention, you should use a catheter as quickly as feasible. If you have prolonged (chronic) urine retention, you may not need a catheter right away.
You may need a long-term catheter if the reason for your chronic urine retention cannot be cured or if the urine retention is causing harm to your bladder or kidneys.
Urinary retention treatment options for urine retention include a variety of medications.
Surgery may be an option for treating urine retention, depending on the underlying cause. The following are examples of surgical procedures:
A procedure called urethral dilatation is used to relieve urethral stricture by introducing ever-larger tubes into the urethra.
An artificial tube, known as a stent, can also be inserted into the urethra to relieve urethral stricture. The stent maintains the urethra’s openness, allowing regular urine flow.
Prostate surgery may relieve urine retention in men who have had their prostate glands enlarged and are suffering from urinary retention symptoms.
Women may require surgery to reposition their bladder or rectum once they’ve slid out of position.
Here are some modifications you can make to your lifestyle. Urine retention can be alleviated with the help of:
Urine retention can be uncomfortable and painful. It can be excruciating and frightening when it develops abruptly and prevents a person from urinating.
Delaying therapy will only make the situation worse. There’s no need to be embarrassed or ashamed if you have urine retention.
A doctor can usually diagnose the issue. A physician may recommend urinary retention medication to treat the condition. Alternatively, they may prescribe a medication such as a Flotral Tablet, Flotral D Tablet, Veltam F Tablet Mr and Mirago Tablet to prevent the symptoms of it.
After consulting with your doctor, you may also refer to our Truemeds Physicians, which provides free online consultations. You can purchase the required medications for sudden hair fall by using our online Truemeds portal. We provide you with home medicine delivery, a discount offer, and monthly savings on your medical bill.
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The main cause of urine retention is obstructions or narrowings in the urinary tract, which can make it difficult or even impossible to urinate. Th other causes of urinary retention includes enlarged prostate, bladder outlet obstruction, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary tract stones, constipation, pelvic tumours, tight pelvic floor muscles, infections, or injuries to the pelvis, urethra, or penis.
Your doctor will give you urinary retention treatment, if you are not able to urinate. They might have to drain your bladder using a catheter. It will reduce the pain and prevent your kidneys from being damaged. Your doctor may also also prescribe certain medicines to improve the flow of urine, mucle relaxers and antibiotics to improve urine flow and reduce infection.
While passing tiny amounts of urine is sometimes possible in cases of urinary retention, but it’s often difficult and incomplete. Urinary retention, however, might cause complete inability to urinate in severe situations.
Urinary retention can be serious especially if treatment is not done on time. The complications due to urinary retention include kidney damage, bladder damage, urinary tract infections, and excruciating discomfort.
Foods, like pear, banana, beans, potatoes, nuts, eggs, whole grains, can help avoid urinary retention symptoms and support healthy bladder function.
Yes, staying hydrated is crucial if you have urinary retention. Drinking enough water can help avoid UTIs and maintain healthy bladder.
Disclaimer
Our healthcare experts have carefully reviewed and compiled the information presented here to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. It is important to note that this information serves as a general overview of the topic and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. This page does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, nor does it replace the advice or consultation of a registered medical practitioner. We recommend seeking guidance from your registered medical practitioner for any questions or concerns regarding your medical condition.
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