What Is Urinary Retention?

The urinary system is complex, comprised of the coordinated efforts of the kidneys, ureter, bladder and urethra. If you are unable to empty your bladder even though it feels full, you may be experiencing urinary retention.

Causes

• Nerve damage or disease can cause urinary retention, when signals between the brain and bladder do not function properly. The brain may not receive the message that your bladder is full, or the bladder muscle may not receive the message to squeeze out urine. Nerve damage may occur during childbirth, stroke or be caused by diabetes. An enlarged prostate can act like a clamp on the urethra, preventing the expulsion of urine. Similarly, an infection of the urinary tract could cause the urethra to swell shut.

Symptoms

• You may have urinary retention if you experience pain and bloating in your lower belly and the immediate need to urinate without being able to.

Diagnosis

• Your doctor will test a urine sample and perform an ultrasound of the bladder to diagnose urinary retention.

Risk Factors

• Men with prostate cancer and kidney stones are at risk for developing urinary retention. Pregnant women, women who have undergone gynecologic surgery and those who experience frequent urinary tract infections are also at risk.

Treatment

• Your doctor will insert a catheter to drain the bladder of urine, relieving the bladder and preventing permanent damage. If urinary retention is caused by an enlarged prostate, that will be treated directly to relieve the bladder.