Retention

Urinary retention

Urinary retention is a problem with the ability to urinate, in which urine begins to accumulate in the bladder. This condition can be acute and painful, or chronic and painless.

In men, the most common cause of urinary retention is a significant enlargement of the prostate gland (prostate adenoma), although problems with the flow of urine from the bladder can also occur for other reasons.

Urine is removed from the bladder using a catheter, after which the cause of the delay is eliminated.

See also Intermittent self-catheterization.

Urinary retention: causes, symptoms and treatment

Urinary retention, also known as urinary retention, is an impairment of the bladder's ability to produce urine. As a result of this condition, urine begins to accumulate in the bladder, which can cause discomfort and problems urinating. Urinary retention can be an acute and painful condition, or a chronic and painless one. In men, the most common cause of urinary retention is prostate adenoma, although obstruction of urine flow from the bladder can also be caused by other factors.

Acute urinary retention can occur suddenly and requires urgent medical attention. The causes of acute urinary retention may be urolithiasis, tumors of the bladder, ureters or prostate gland, urinary tract infections, as well as certain medications. Symptoms of acute urinary retention may include sharp pain in the lower abdomen, incomplete emptying of the bladder, fever and general weakness.

Chronic urinary retention develops gradually and may be more difficult to recognize. The main cause of chronic urinary retention in men is prostate adenoma, characterized by an increase in the size of the prostate gland and narrowing of the urethra. Other possible causes of chronic urinary retention include neurogenic disorders, spinal cord or nerve damage, urethral strictures, and tumors.

Diagnosis of urinary retention usually includes a medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests such as urinalysis and bladder ultrasound. Additional diagnostic methods may include urodynamic testing, cystoscopy and x-ray of the urinary tract.

Treatment of urinary retention is aimed at eliminating the underlying cause of the condition. In cases of acute urinary retention, when urine cannot be passed on its own, a catheter may need to be inserted to remove urine from the bladder. Next, the underlying disease that caused urinary retention is treated. In chronic cases of urinary retention, treatment may include medications to shrink the size of the prostate gland or surgery to remove obstructions that are blocking the flow of urine.

In addition to basic treatment, lifestyle changes and self-catheterization techniques may be recommended for patients with chronic urinary retention. This is a procedure in which the patient inserts a thin, flexible catheter into the bladder to remove urine. Intermittent self-catheterization may be helpful for those who have trouble urinating but do not require constant use of a catheter.

However, you should always consult your doctor to determine the best approach to treating urinary retention. Self-medicating or ignoring symptoms can lead to complications such as bladder or kidney damage, urinary tract infections and other problems.

Overall, urinary retention is a serious condition that requires medical attention. If you have problems urinating or suspect urinary retention, consult your doctor. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve the patient's quality of life.

Sources:

1. Abrams P, Cardozo L, Fall M, et al. The standardization of terminology in lower urinary tract function: report from the Standardization Sub-committee of the International Continence Society. Urology. 2003;61(1):37-49.
2. Wein AJ, Kavoussi LR, Partin AW, Peters CA. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016.
3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Urinary Retention. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/urinary-retention. ↗ Published April 2017. Accessed August 11, 2023.