Urinary retention

Urinary retention is when a person has difficulty emptying the bladder. It may occur suddenly (acute urinary retention) or gradually through worsening urinary symptoms (chronic urinary retention). Various factors may cause urinary retention, including muscle problems, physical obstructions, or neurological problems. The severity of urinary retention can range from mild to severe and may require immediate medical intervention.

Symptoms that suggest urinary retention:

Difficulty starting urination;
Weak urinary flow;
Feeling of incompleteness after urinating;
Increased urinary frequency;
Sudden and intense urge to urinate;
Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area or lower abdomen;
Swelling in the lower part of the abdomen;
continuous dripping (incontinence due to paradoxical iscuria).
Causes of Urinary Retention:
Muscle problems: weakening of the pelvic muscles or urethra;
Physical obstructions: kidney stones, enlarged prostate (in men), urethral obstruction;
Neurological problems: damage to the nerves that control the bladder following conditions such as stroke, spinal injuries, multiple sclerosis, diabetes;
Medications: Some medications can cause urinary retention as a side effect.

Diagnosis of Urinary Retention:

Medical history and physical examination: the doctor will collect information on the patient's medical history and conduct a physical exam (visit);

Laboratory tests: urinalysis to identify any infections or anomalies;
Imaging tests: ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, or computed tomography to identify obstructions or anatomical abnormalities.

Treatment of Urinary Retention:

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of urinary retention. It may include:

Catheterization: In cases of acute urinary retention, using a catheter to empty the bladder may be necessary.
Medications: Antibiotics to treat urinary infections, medications to reduce enlarged prostate (in men), medications to improve bladder muscle function.
Surgery: Sometimes, the patient needs surgery to remove blockages or repair damage.
Physical therapy: exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles.
Complementary therapies: such as behavioral therapy to improve bladder control.

Prevention of Urinary Retention:

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet and regular exercise can help prevent health problems that could contribute to urinary retention.
Drinks and diet: drink enough to keep urine dilute and reduce the risk of urinary infections; avoid excess alcohol and caffeine.
Management of medical conditions: Treating conditions such as an enlarged prostate or diabetes promptly can help prevent associated urinary retention.
Avoid harmful medications: Talk to your doctor about the potential side effects of drugs and seek alternatives if necessary.

When to See a Doctor:

You should consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, mainly if they are persistent or interfere with daily life. Urinary retention can be a symptom of underlying health problems that require appropriate diagnosis and treatment.