Urinary Retention: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What is Urinary Retention?

The human body is a fascinating system that performs countless functions daily, often without our awareness, including urination. While it may seem simple, but there are many underlying processes which are involved. Disruptions such as urinary retention can lead to discomfort and pose health risks. Let’s delve deeper into the meaning of urinary retention.

How Common is Urinary Retention?

Urinary retention is a condition where the bladder doesn’t empty completely or at all during urination. It can occur suddenly (acute) or develop slowly over time (chronic). The acute form is considered as an emergency and needs quick medical help, while chronic urinary retention has more gradual symptoms. It affects both sexes, but is most common in men aged 60 to 80. About 10% of men over 70 and up to 30% of men over 80 may experience this issue.

What are the Types of Urinary Retention?

There are two main types of urinary retention:

1. Acute Urinary Retention: This type occurs suddenly and can be severe. It often leads to a complete inability to urinate, causing pain and discomfort. Acute urinary retention typically requires immediate medical attention to relieve the blockage and prevent complications.
2. Chronic Urinary Retention: This type develops gradually over time. People may still be able to urinate, but they often have difficulty emptying their bladder completely. Symptoms may include a weak urine stream, frequent urination, and the feeling of pressure in the bladder. Chronic urinary retention can lead to long-term issues if not addressed.

Understanding these types helps in identifying symptoms and seeking the right treatment.

What are the Symptoms of Urinary Retention?

• Acute Urinary Retention Symptoms

In acute urinary retention, symptoms occur suddenly. You may feel hard to urinate or pass only a little, despite feeling the urge to go. This can lead to pain or discomfort in your lower abdomen.

• Chronic Urinary Retention Symptoms

The symptoms of chronic urinary retention vary from person to person and tend to build up over time.

These may include:

• Difficulty starting to urination 
• A weak or slow urine stream
• Feeling the need to urinate again soon after urinating 
• Frequent urine leakage
• Waking up several times at night to urinate (Nocturia)

What Causes Urinary Retention?

Urinary retention can occur due to several factors:

1. Blockage: A blockage in the urinary system can stop urine from flowing freely, which may be caused by an enlarged prostate, tumors, or kidney stone.
2. Medications: Some medications can impact the bladder as well as urethra muscles, leading to urinary retention. These includes certain antidepressants, antihistamines, and medications for high blood pressure.
3. Nerve Issues: The nerves that regulate bladder function are essential for proper urination. When conditions like stroke, diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), or other neurological disorders affect these nerves, it can result in urinary retention.
4. Infection or Swelling: Infections or inflammation in the urinary tract or prostate can lead to swelling that obstructs urine flow.
5. Surgery: Urinary retention can occur as a complication after certain surgeries. For example, procedures involving the lower part of the body may disrupt the nerve signals to the bladder and urethra.

What are the Risk Factors for Urinary Retention?

Although anyone can experience urinary retention, certain factors increase the risk. These include being male and over 50, having a history of neurological disorders, long-term use of specific medications, and recently undergoing lower body surgery.

What are the Complications of Urinary Retention?

Untreated urinary retention can lead to complications like urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder damage, and kidney damage. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek medical attention if you notice any symptoms.

How is Urinary Retention Diagnosed?

To diagnose urinary retention, your doctor will consider your symptoms and medical history while conducting a physical examination to find out the cause. They may ask about your urine flow, any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing, and will check your lower abdomen for signs of bladder distention.

How is Urinary Retention Treated?

• Treatment For Acute Urinary Retention

Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment, often in the form of catheterisation to drain the bladder.

• Treatment For Chronic Urinary Retention

For chronic urinary retention, your doctor will recommend the best treatment based on the underlying cause. This may involve medications, surgery, or nonsurgical options like lifestyle changes.

• Medication: Medications are often prescribed to address the root causes of urinary retention. For example, alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are used to treat enlarged prostate, while antibiotics are used to treat infections contributing to urinary retention.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary. These could involve removing blockages in the urinary tract or rectifying structural abnormalities.
• Nonsurgical Treatments: Nonsurgical treatments for urinary retention may involve lifestyle changes, such as modifications your diet and fluid intake, bladder training exercises, pelvic floor exercises, and avoiding medications which can worsen urinary retention.

Can you Prevent Urinary Retention?

Prevention involves managing risk factors like controlling diabetes and other neurological disorders, discussing alternative medications with your doctor if you're on medicine that increase your risk, maintaining good bladder habits, responding promptly to the urge to urinate and staying well-hydrated.

Can You Still Pee With Urinary retention?

Yes, some people with urinary retention may still be able to pass a small amount of urine. Urinary retention means that either you can’t urinate at all or your bladder doesn’t empty completely when you do. In some cases, this can lead to urine leakage, known as overflow incontinence, where urine dribbles out due to the bladder being too full.

What can I Expect if I have Urinary Retention?

If diagnosed with urinary retention, it's important to follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. With the right treatment, many people experience relief from their symptoms, which can greatly improve their quality of life.

When Should I See a Doctor?

If you're experiencing symptoms of urinary retention, it's important to seek a medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include difficulty starting to urinate, a weak or slow urine stream, frequent urine leakage, discomfort in the lower abdomen or urinary tract, or a strong, persistent urge to urinate.

Conclusion

Urinary retention can be a discomforting condition that impacts your daily life. However, with a clear understanding of its causes, symptoms, and treatments, it can be managed effectively. Remember, it's essential to seek medical help if you are experiencing any symptoms of urinary retention.

At Metropolis Healthcare, we believe in empowering our patients with information and diagnostic services to take charge of their health. Reach out today to learn how we can help you on your journey to better health. From at-home blood samples collection by trained phlebotomists to patient-centric services backed by advanced technology labs, your health is our priority.