Why Won't It Flow? Urinary Retention Symptoms and Solutions
- Team proudP
- Oct 12, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 26, 2024
Introduction
Urinary retention occurs when your bladder doesn't empty completely. It causes discomfort, a weak or irregular stream, and frequent trips to the bathroom. If left untreated, it can even lead to bladder and kidney damage.
In this guide, we’ll break down the symptoms, causes, and treatments for urinary retention, along with tips to keep things flowing smoothly.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of Urinary Retention
The symptoms of urinary retention depend on whether it is acute or chronic.
1.Acute urinary retention
Acute urinary retention happens suddenly. Despite a full bladder, you may be unable to urinate. This can cause severe stomach pain.
If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems. Seek immediate medical attention to have the bladder drained and alleviate discomfort.
2. Chronic urinary retention
Chronic urinary retention develops slowly and may not show any symptoms at first. Signs include:
A weak or slow urine stream
Frequent urination in small amounts
Difficulty starting the flow of urine
Feeling like the bladder isn't empty after urinating
Experiencing a persistent urge to urinate, especially at night
Causes of Urinary Retention
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Causes of Urinary Retention
The causes of urinary retention vary but often involve an issue with the bladder.
1. Physical Obstructions
Bladder neck blockage: An obstruction at the bladder neck can stop urine from flowing. This is often from an enlarged prostate in men.
Blocked urethra: Kidney stones, blood clots, or tumors can block the urethra, preventing the bladder from emptying.
Pelvic organ prolapse. In some women, a cystocele (when the bladder sags into the vagina) can block the urethra, causing urinary retention.
2. Nerve-Related Issues
Urinary retention can happen when there's a problem with how the brain and bladder muscles talk to each other. This can happen in some neurological disorders or after a spinal injury. These issues stop the bladder from emptying completely.
3. Medication Side Effects
Some drugs can cause urinary retention by weakening or tightening the bladder muscles.
4. Infections and Inflammation
Infections and inflammation can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) that block the flow of urine, leading to retention. Prostatitis can make it hard to urine, especially in men.
5. Post-Surgery Effects
Surgery can cause temporary urinary retention, especially if it involves anesthesia or the pelvic region. Anesthesia affects bladder muscle control, often requiring a catheter after surgery.
Diagnosis of Urinary Retention
A diagnosis involves patient history, physical exams, and tests.
Post-Void Residual Test (PVR): This test checks if the bladder is empty after urinating.
Cystoscopy: A camera is put into the urethra to check for problems.
Ultrasound or imaging tests: An ultrasound can show the bladder and kidneys, and find any blockages or muscle issues.
Urodynamic testing: Checks how well the bladder, sphincters, and urethra work.
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Treatment for Urinary Retention
Treatment for urinary retention depends on the cause.
1. Catheterization
Catheterization relieves acute urinary retention. This can help relieve pain and prevent damage to the bladder and kidneys.
2. Medications
Alpha-blockers Medications like tamsulosin relax the bladder and urethra, allowing better urine flow.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics can treat UTIs and prostatitis and reduce inflammation.
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: These drugs shrink an enlarged prostate, reducing urinary blockages.
3. Surgical Options
In chronic cases, doctors may recommend surgery if medication alone doesn’t work. These are the procedures:
TURP is surgery for an enlarged prostate.
Widening the urethra. Widening the urethra if it is narrow.
Bladder neck surgery Surgery on the bladder neck can help remove blockages.
4. Physical Therapy and Lifestyle Changes
Pelvic Floor Exercises: Kegel exercises can help you control your bladder.
Bladder training: Establishing a regular urination schedule can help prevent overfilling of the bladder.
Prevention and Management of Urinary Retention
You can prevent some cases of urinary retention. Here are some ways to reduce the risk:
Go to the bathroom regularly. Don't hold in urine for too long to reduce the risk of bladder damage.
Drink plenty of water. Drinking enough water helps your kidneys and bladder.
Manage your health conditions. Managing diabetes can help prevent nerve damage that leads to urinary retention.
Pay attention to medication side effects, and talk to your doctor if you notice difficulty urinating.
Conclusion
Urinary retention is manageable if you get help early. Understanding the symptoms and getting prompt treatment for blockages, weak bladder muscles, or nerve issues can help prevent complications.
If you have urinary retention, you can find relief by addressing the root cause. This could be through medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
See a healthcare provider if you experience frequent urges to urinate, discomfort, or trouble starting urination. Effective treatment is available.
Are you a male over the age of 45?
Notice any of these signs?
✔️ A weak or interrupted urine flow
✔️ Frequent, urgent trips to the bathroom
✔️ Difficulty fully emptying your bladder
If any of these apply to you, you may have benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).
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*Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide any medical advice. This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.