Urine retention

Urine Retention is a medical condition characterized by the inability to completely empty the bladder. It can be either acute or chronic. Acute urine retention is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that requires immediate emergency treatment. Chronic urine retention, also known as urinary retention, can be a long-term medical condition. It can lead to complications and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Causes

Urine retention can be caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract or by nerve problems that interfere with signals between the brain and the muscles that control bladder emptying. Some of the common causes include benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary tract stones, urinary tract infections, tumors, nerve disorders, medications, and constipation.

Symptoms

Symptoms of urine retention include difficulty starting to urinate, weak or interrupted urine flow, an urgent need to urinate with little success, and feeling the need to urinate after finishing urination.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of urine retention may involve a physical examination, urinalysis, postvoid residual measurement, cystoscopy, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and ultrasound.

Treatment

Treatment for urine retention depends on the underlying cause. It may include medications, catheterization, surgery, or prostate treatments for men.

See Also

• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary tract infection
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia