Urinary Retention: Overview
Urinary retention occurs when urine (pee), which contains waste products filtered by your kidneys, is stored in your bladder like a storage tank. Normally, urinating when your bladder is full allows this waste to exit your body. However, if you have urinary retention, your bladder does not empty. This condition can be caused by various factors such as nerve problems, medications, or physical obstructions.
What is Urinary Retention?
Urinary retention is a condition where your bladder may not empty completely or at all during urination. Urine, or pee, is produced by your kidneys and stored in your bladder until it is emptied through the urethra.
Types of Urinary Retention
Urinary retention can be acute, occurring suddenly and severely, or chronic, developing gradually over time. Causes can include medications, nerve issues, or physical blockages.
- Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. It poses a life-threatening risk if not promptly treated.
- Chronic urinary retention is more common in individuals aged 60 to 80 years who were assigned male at birth (AMAB), but it can also affect those assigned female at birth (AFAB).
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Get A Second OpinionPrevalence
Urinary retention affects approximately 10% of AMAB adults over 70 years old and up to 30% of those over 80 years old. While less common, acute urinary retention can also occur in AFAB individuals.
Symptoms
Symptoms of urinary retention can vary and may include:
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak, slow, or intermittent urine flow
- Feeling the need to urinate immediately after urinating
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Urinary dribbling
- Nocturia (frequent nighttime urination)
Causes of Urinary Retention
Urinary retention can result from:
- Physical obstructions that block the flow of urine
- Medications used for other conditions
- Nerve problems affecting bladder control
- Infections or swelling that obstruct urine flow
- Previous surgeries affecting urinary function
Consequences of Urine Retention
If left untreated, urinary retention can lead to:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and potential kidney infections
- Bladder damage due to prolonged stretching
- Kidney damage from increased pressure and infections
- Urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine)
- Formation of bladder stones due to stagnant urine
Diagnosis
Diagnosing acute urinary retention requires immediate medical attention, especially if accompanied by pain or discomfort. A urologist may conduct:
- Detailed symptom inquiry and medical history review
- Physical examination, including digital rectal examination to check the prostate
- Urinalysis to detect infections
- Post-void residual urine test (PVR) to measure remaining urine in the bladder
- Cystoscopy to visually inspect the bladder and urethra
- Urodynamic testing to assess bladder and muscle function
Treatment
Treatment for urinary retention depends on its cause and may include:
- Medications to alleviate symptoms or treat underlying conditions (e.g., antibiotics for infections, alpha-blockers for prostate enlargement)
- Surgery to remove obstructions or correct anatomical issues
- Behavioral modifications or non-surgical methods to manage symptoms
- Temporary catheterization to drain urine, especially in cases of nerve-related retention
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential consequences of urinary retention is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management. If you suspect you have urinary retention or experience sudden difficulties with urination, seek medical advice promptly to prevent complications.
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