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Simple Guide to Urinary Retention: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Related Conditions

Dominic Simmons

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Urinary retention is a condition in which the bladder is unable to empty itself completely. This can be a very uncomfortable and frustrating condition, and it can also lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

There are two types of urinary retention:

Acute urinary retention is a sudden inability to urinate. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a blockage in the urethra, a neurological problem, or a medication side effect.
Chronic urinary retention is a long-term inability to urinate. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as an enlarged prostate gland, a stricture in the urethra, or damage to the nerves that control the bladder.

The most common symptom of urinary retention is difficulty urinating. Other symptoms may include:

A Simple Guide To Urinary Retention, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

by Kenneth Kee

4 out of 5

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A feeling of fullness in the bladder
Pain or burning during urination
Frequent urination
Dribbling of urine
Incontinence

There are a variety of factors that can cause urinary retention, including:

Blockage in the urethra: This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a kidney stone, a blood clot, or a tumor.
Neurological problem: This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a stroke, a spinal cord injury, or multiple sclerosis.
Medication side effect: Some medications, such as antidepressants and anticholinergics, can cause urinary retention as a side effect.
Enlarged prostate gland: This is a common cause of urinary retention in men.
Stricture in the urethra: This is a narrowing of the urethra that can make it difficult to urinate.
Damage to the nerves that control the bladder: This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as surgery, trauma, or radiation therapy.

The diagnosis of urinary retention is based on a physical examination and a review of your medical history. Your doctor may also Free Download one or more of the following tests:

Urinalysis: This is a test of your urine that can help to rule out infection or other underlying medical conditions.
Ultrasound: This is a painless imaging test that can be used to visualize the bladder and urethra.
Cystoscopy: This is a procedure in which a thin, lighted tube is inserted into the bladder to visualize the urethra and bladder.

The treatment of urinary retention depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:

Medications: Medications can be used to treat urinary retention caused by a neurological problem or a medication side effect.
Catheter: A catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the bladder to drain urine. Catheters can be used for short-term or long-term treatment of urinary retention.
Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to treat urinary retention caused by a blockage in the urethra, an enlarged prostate gland, or a stricture in the urethra.

Urinary retention can be associated with a variety of other conditions, including:

Urinary incontinence: This is a condition in which urine is involuntarily released.
Overactive bladder: This is a condition in which the bladder contracts too often, causing frequent urination.
Interstitial cystitis: This is a chronic condition that causes pain and inflammation in the bladder.

Urinary retention is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms of urinary retention, as it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

A Simple Guide To Urinary Retention, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

by Kenneth Kee

4 out of 5