Why urinary retention

Anyone experiencing symptoms of acute urinary retention should go to the emergency room. Chronic urinary retention is not a medical emergency, but it does usually indicate a potentially serious underlying problem. A person should schedule an appointment with a doctor for urinary retention that lasts longer than a few days or that goes away and then returns.

People who experience temporary urinary retention due to medication or anesthesia may not need medical treatment if the symptoms disappear and do not return. Although anyone can develop urinary retention, it is more common as a person ages. Males are also more likely than females to have urinary retention due to prostate issues and partial blockages of the urethra.

Urinary retention can be painful and inconvenient. When it appears suddenly and leaves a person unable to urinate, it can be excruciating and very scary. Delaying treatment only allows the condition to get worse. Urinary retention is treatable, and there is no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed. A doctor can often diagnose the problem.

However, in some cases, a person may need a referral to a urologist, proctologist, or pelvic floor specialist for further testing and treatment. Acute prostatitis is a sudden inflammation of the prostate gland.

It is a rare type of prostatitis, which is a common prostate problem. Urinary hesitation occurs when a person has difficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream. Learn about the common causes here. Learn about the possible causes of frequent urination, its symptoms and diagnosis, and how to manage the condition.

A person will usually urinate more frequently at certain times of day and when they are well hydrated. However, some medical conditions cause a person…. Treatments for urinary retention may include draining the bladder, medicines, medical procedures or devices, surgery, and self-care treatments.

The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Kaplan, M. Diagnosis Health care professionals use your medical history, a physical exam, and tests to help find the cause of urinary retention. Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms.

Selius BA, Subedi R. Urinary retention in adults: diagnosis and initial management. American family physician. Mar 1 ;77 5 Next: Treatment Options. Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information. Cancel Continue. Your browser is out of date With an updated browser, you will have a better Medtronic website experience.