urinary retention

Also known as increased post-void residual urine volume

medical condition

Key facts

Other names: Ischuria, bladder failure, bladder obstruction
Specialty: Emergency medicine , urology
Symptoms: Sudden onset : Inability to urinate, low abdominal pain , Long term : Frequent urination, loss of bladder control, urinary tract infection
Types: Acute, chronic
Causes: Blockage of the urethra, nerve problems, certain medications, weak bladder muscles
Diagnostic method: Amount of urine in the bladder post urination
Treatment: Catheter , urethral dilatation , urethral stents , surgery
Medication: Alpha blockers such as terazosin , 5α-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride
Frequency: 6 per 1,000 per year (males > 40 years old)

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Article

Urinary retention is an inability to completely empty the bladder. Onset can be sudden or gradual. When it is of sudden onset, symptoms include an inability to urinate and lower abdominal pain, while symptoms accompanying gradual onset may include loss of bladder control, mild lower abdominal pain, and a weak urine stream. About 7 per 100,000 of the general population are affected annually, and those with long-term urinary retention are at risk of urinary tract infections.

Causes include blockage of the urethra, nerve problems, certain medications, and weak bladder muscles. Blockage can be caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urethral strictures, bladder stones, a cystocele, constipation, or tumors. Nerve problems can occur from diabetes, trauma, spinal cord problems, stroke, or heavy metal poisoning. Medications that can cause problems include anticholinergics, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, cyclobenzaprine, diazepam, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), stimulants, and opioids. Diagnosis is typically based on measuring the amount of urine in the bladder after urinating.