Urinary Retention
What is Urinary Retention?
Urinary Retention is a condition in which someone's body can’t completely empty the bladder when wanting to urinate. This health condition can occur acutely or become chronic. It can cause serious health issues if not treated properly. It is more common in men than women and can be caused by certain medications, urinary tract infection, constipation, spinal injuries, an enlarged prostate, and restricted blood flow to the pelvis.
Symptoms of Urinary Retention
Some common symptoms of Urinary Retention are:
- Painful urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- Weak urine flow
- Inability to completely empty your bladder
- Incontinence
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect that you may have Urinary Retention, it is important to see your doctor to get a proper diagnosis. Your doctor will likely begin by doing a physical exam, as well as analyzing your medical history. To diagnose the cause, you may have to undergo some tests such as ultrasound, x-ray, blood tests, urinalysis, and others.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your condition. It can include lifestyle changes like drinking sufficient water, altering diet, avoiding certain beverages or foods, or drinking more liquids during the day. Medications might be prescribed to relax the bladder muscles or reduce the size of an enlarged prostate, if necessary. If other treatments don't work, your doctor may suggest a procedure to put a thin tube in the bladder to help drain the urine.
Conclusion
Urinary Retention is a serious medical condition that needs to be addressed with the help of a healthcare professional. It can be caused by many factors, and the treatments will differ depending on the underlying cause. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, please contact your doctor as soon as possible.