- 1101 Glendale Blvd., Unit 107 A, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
- (219) 286-6888
- 1101 Glendale Blvd., Unit 107 A, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
Urinary retention is a condition of incomplete bladder emptying or inability to urinate at all. Acute urinary retention, unlike its chronic counterpart, can be very painful. Causes of urinary retention are many and may include enlarged prostate gland, prostate infection and inflammation, bladder stone(s), urethral stricture, pelvic organ prolapse, constipation, medication side effects, anesthesia, various neurological disorders, loss of bladder contractile ability and diabetes.
Symptoms of urinary retention may include:
Diagnosis of urinary retention is quite straightforward. Determining the precise cause of urinary retention, however, may sometimes be difficult. Diagnosis usually begins with a clinical history, physical examination and bladder Ultrasound (sometimes referred to as a “bladder scan”). Bladder Ultrasound will show the amount of urine in the bladder. Additional diagnostic tests may be necessary to determine what led to the urinary retention episode. Some of these tests are outlined below:
Treatment often depends on acuteness, severity and etiology or cause of the urinary retention.
Some treatment options may include:
Please refer to the “Urethral Stricture” and “BPH/Enlarged Prostate” sections of this educational material, respectively, for additional information.
In men, the most common cause is an enlarged prostate gland. In women, the most common cause is bladder muscle weakness or dysfunction.
Acute urinary retention occurs suddenly, it’s painful and there is usually an inciting event that can be identified.
Chronic urinary retention occurs slowly, over a prolonged period of time and typically does not cause pain. It can actually be completely asymptomatic.
Both types can lead to bladder dysfunction, UTIs, urinary incontinence and kidney injury, that in some cases may be irreversible.
Urinary retention may cause significant and sometimes irreversible kidney injury and may also lead to a severe urinary tract infection that may develop into sepsis.
You should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as you begin to notice symptoms.
We are dedicated to compassionate and comprehensive urologic care, offering you necessary and appropriate evaluations and treatments that you may need to feel and be healthy. With years of experience in urologic care, we are the team that you can trust.
Urologic Surgery of NWI is your source of reliable information and excellent urologic care in the region. We are here to answer all of your questions and take care of you like family. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment.
We will work together to jointly find the best treatment plan for you. We respect your wishes and are here to empower you to make your own decisions regarding your health and well being. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
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