What is Urinary Retention? Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What is Urinary Retention?

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

Types of Urinary Retention

There are two main types of urinary retention: acute and chronic.

• Acute urinary retention happens suddenly and can be painful. It’s an emergency because the bladder becomes unable to empty at all, which may require immediate medical attention.
• Chronic urinary retention develops slowly and may not cause pain. With this type, the bladder doesn’t empty fully, leading to frequent urination, weak urine flow, or feeling the need to urinate soon after going.

Both types can result from blockages, nerve problems, or infections, and treatment varies based on the underlying cause.

What are the causes of urinary retention?

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:

• Blockage in urine flow: Urinary retention occurs when the bladder and urethra can’t empty urine properly, often due to blockages. In men, it’s frequently caused by prostate issues.
• Medications: Some drugs, like aspirin, opiates, antihistamines, and certain antidepressants, can impair bladder function.
• Nerve problems: Disrupt communication between the brain and urinary system.
• Swelling and infections may also contribute.
• Surgery and anesthesia: Sedatives can make urination difficult post-surgery. Procedures like hip, spine, rectal, and pelvic surgeries can lead to urinary issues.
• Women-specific causes: Factors like childbirth, pelvic injuries, bladder prolapse, and constipation may trigger urinary retention.

Also Read: Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

How Common Is Urinary Retention?

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.

Urinary Retention Symptoms

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.

Symptoms of Acute urinary retention are:

• Inability to urinate
• Painful and urgent need to urinate
• Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen 
• Lower-abdominal swelling

Some signs of chronic urinary retention are:

• Overactive Bladder: Frequency of urination, you tend to urinate eight or more times a day
• Difficulties in starting urination
• Weak or an interrupted urine flow
• The feeling of incomplete urination 
• Mild pain in the lower abdomen and in the urinary tract.
• Problems evacuating the bladder
• Urinary incontinence
• Inability to feel when the bladder is full
• Increased pressure in the abdomen
• Efforts to push urine out of the bladder
• Nocturia (waking up more than two times at night to urinate)

Diagnosis for Urinary Retention

1) History and physical exam

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.

2) Ultrasound of the bladder

To determine how much urine remains in your bladder after you urinate, an ultrasound of the bladder can be tested.

3) Cystoscopy

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.

4) Urodynamic testing

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.

5) Electromyography

Using electrodes and sensors, electromyography (EMG) measures the electrical activity of the muscles and nerves of the bladder and urethra.

Urinary Retention Treatment

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:

1) Catheterization

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.

2) Medication

Urinary retention treatment options for urine retention include a variety of medications.

• The use of antibiotics to treat infections of the urinary tract, bladder or prostate
• Drugs that ease tension in the prostate and sphincters increase the flow of urine.
• Shrink the size of your prostate with medicine (if you have BPH)

3) Surgery

Surgery may be an option for treating urine retention, depending on the underlying cause. The following are examples of surgical procedures:

a) Urethral dilatation

A procedure called urethral dilatation is used to relieve urethral stricture by introducing ever-larger tubes into the urethra.

b) Urethral stents

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.

c) Prostate gland surgery

Prostate surgery may relieve urine retention in men who have had their prostate glands enlarged and are suffering from urinary retention symptoms.

d) Cystocele or rectocele repair

Women may require surgery to reposition their bladder or rectum once they’ve slid out of position.

4) Lifestyle changes

Here are some modifications you can make to your lifestyle. Urine retention can be alleviated with the help of:

• You can influence when you urinate by drinking drinks at specific times of the day.
• Practising pelvic floor exercises can help you better control your bladder.
• Learn how to strengthen the muscles that regulate your bladder (for both people with a vagina and people with a penis)

Conclusion

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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