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Urinary Retention
Emergency
Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder completely or, in acute cases, the inability to urinate at all. It may develop suddenly or gradually. Symptoms can include difficulty starting urination, a weak or interrupted stream, frequent small amounts of urine, a feeling that the bladder has not emptied, lower abdominal discomfort, or an urgent inability to pass urine. Acute urinary retention can be painful and requires prompt medical evaluation because prolonged inability to empty the bladder can lead to complications.
Body System
Kidneys & Urinary Tract
Emergency Medical Attention
Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency. Seek emergency medical treatment immediately if there is a sudden inability to urinate, particularly when accompanied by severe lower abdominal pain or swelling. Chronic or incomplete urinary retention also requires medical assessment because it can cause serious urinary tract and kidney complications.
Symptoms
2
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder completely or, in acute cases, the inability to urinate at all. It may develop suddenly or gradually. Symptoms can include difficulty starting urination, a weak or interrupted stream, frequent small amounts of urine, a feeling that the bladder has not emptied, lower abdominal discomfort, or an urgent inability to pass urine. Acute urinary retention can be painful and requires prompt medical evaluation because prolonged inability to empty the bladder can lead to complications.
Symptoms 2
Premature Ejaculation
Urinary Incontinence
Causes 1
Urinary retention can result from blockage of urine flow, impaired bladder muscle function, or problems with the nerves that control urination. Common causes include enlargement of the prostate, narrowing of the urethra, urinary stones, infections, pelvic conditions, neurological disorders, and certain medicines. Urinary retention may also develop after some surgical procedures or because of conditions affecting the bladder or surrounding structures. More than one contributing factor may be present.
Hormonal Imbalance
Risk Factors
Risk factors include enlargement of the prostate, previous urinary tract procedures, urethral narrowing, urinary stones, neurological diseases, diabetes, pelvic disorders, certain medicines, and previous episodes of urinary retention. Risk may also increase after some operations or when conditions interfere with normal bladder muscle or nerve function. Older adults may have several contributing factors at the same time.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis begins with a medical history and physical examination, including assessment of urinary symptoms, medicines, previous procedures, and neurological or pelvic conditions. Measurement of the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination is commonly performed with a bladder scan or catheter. Urinalysis may identify infection or blood. Depending on the suspected cause, ultrasound, imaging, urine-flow testing, cystoscopy, or other urological studies may be required.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Prevention depends on the underlying cause
Conditions such as prostate enlargement, urinary infections, urinary stones, and neurological disorders should be appropriately evaluated and managed
Medicines that can interfere with urination should be reviewed with a healthcare professional when symptoms occur
Maintaining appropriate fluid intake and seeking care for worsening difficulty urinating may help prevent complications
Sudden inability to urinate, particularly with severe lower abdominal discomfort, requires prompt medical assessment
Prevention Guidance
Prevention depends on the underlying cause. Conditions such as prostate enlargement, urinary infections, urinary stones, and neurological disorders should be appropriately evaluated and managed. Medicines that can interfere with urination should be reviewed with a healthcare professional when symptoms occur. Maintaining appropriate fluid intake and seeking care for worsening difficulty urinating may help prevent complications. Sudden inability to urinate, particularly with severe lower abdominal discomfort, requires prompt medical assessment.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Adequate Fluids
Help maintain urinary flow.
Fresh Fruits
Support urinary health.
Vegetables
Provide vitamins and minerals.
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
May worsen bladder function.
Excess Caffeine
May worsen urinary symptoms.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
It is the inability to completely empty the bladder.
Prostate enlargement and nerve disorders are common causes.
Difficulty urinating and incomplete emptying are common.
Bladder scans and urinary testing may be used.
Untreated retention can damage the urinary tract and kidneys.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.