Urinary retention is treatable, and there is no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed. A doctor can often diagnose the problem. However, in some cases, a person may need a referral to a urologist, proctologist, or pelvic floor specialist for further testing and treatment.
Chronic urinary retention — can be a long-lasting medical condition. People with chronic urinary retention can urinate, but they cannot completely empty all of the urine from their bladders.
There are different ways to manage urine retention. Common ways include surgery to repair or strengthen the bladder, using a bladder catheter to drain urine, dilating or widening the urethra (the duct that urine flows through when emptied) called having urethral dilation or stents, and giving certain medications.
Acute urinary retention can be life threatening. If you have any of the other symptoms of urinary retention, such as trouble urinating, frequent urination, or leaking urine, talk with your health care professional about your symptoms and possible treatments. Chronic urinary retention can cause serious health problems.
The most common surgery is transurethral resection of the prostate. In this procedure, the urologist uses a tiny tool, inserted through a catheter, to remove a section of the prostate. This treatment is used frequently for urinary retention caused by BPH. Internal urethrotomy.
The most common cause of urinary retention is benign prostatic hyperplasia. Other common causes include prostatitis, cystitis, urethritis, and vulvovaginitis; receiving medications in the anticholinergic and alpha-adrenergic agonist classes; and cortical, spinal, or peripheral nerve lesions.
Coffee, tea and carbonated drinks, even without caffeine. Alcohol. Certain acidic fruits — oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes — and fruit juices. Spicy foods.
In turn, the kidneys will only be able to make highly concentrated urine that irritates the bladder. Therefore, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day is one of the essential pieces of any treatment plan for urinary retention.
In general, the catheter stays in for 1-2 weeks. If the catheter is taken out early, the urethra will likely close again, you will be again unable to pee, and you will need to return to the ER to have another catheter inserted.
A health care professional may use urinary tract imaging tests such as an ultrasound, VCUG, MRI, or CT scan to find out what's causing your urinary retention.
To treat acute urinary retention, your urologist will drain the bladder by placing a catheter into your urethra. Removing the urine from your bladder will provide immediate relief and help prevent your bladder and kidneys from being damaged.
Urinary retention can be a short-term or long-term problem and can occur suddenly (acute) or get worse over time (chronic). If urine stays in your bladder, it can lead to urinary incontinence (leaking urine between wees) and urinary tract infections.
There are two general types of urinary retention: obstructive and non-obstructive. If there is an obstruction (for example, kidney stones), urine cannot flow freely through the urinary track.
Acute urinary retention usually comes on suddenly. Symptoms include: severe lower abdominal pain (but you may not have much pain if you already have chronic urinary retention) a feeling of fullness in your lower abdomen.
If you or someone you know are unable to urinate, are experiencing severe bladder, groin, or abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, nausea, or profuse sweating, seek emergency medical attention by contacting us by phone, visiting the Urology Austin office nearest you, a local hospital or free-standing emergency room.
Walking is a gentle exercise that can help stimulate peristaltic movement and prevent urinary retention and constipation (which can place an unnecessary strain on your bladder and cause overflow urinary incontinence).
Leaning forward (and rocking) may promote urination. After you have finished passing urine, squeeze the pelvic floor to try to completely empty. not to promote bladder muscle instability with overuse of this technique. Tapping over the bladder may assist in triggering a contraction in some people.
People with anxiety disorders can experience a range of symptoms and side effects, even physical ones. More frequent symptoms include a pounding or rapid heartbeat, unexplained aches and pains, dizziness, and shortness of breath, but anxiety can also cause less common side effects like urinary retention.
Conclusion: Urinary retention can lead to serious complications, including bladder rupture. Postpartum bladder rupture due to urinary retention should be ruled out if there is a history of abdominal pain, oliguria, and elevated of serum creatinine.
If urine stays in your bladder, it can lead to urinary incontinence (leaking urine between wees) and urinary tract infections. In severe cases, urine can start to 'back up' towards the kidneys, causing long-term damage.