Key Takeaways
Urinary retention means your bladder isn’t fully emptying — and it can become serious without treatment. Early care helps prevent infections, bladder damage, and kidney problems.
Common symptoms include difficulty starting urination, weak stream, frequent small amounts, or feeling unable to fully empty. Sudden inability to urinate with severe pain is a medical emergency.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include medications or minimally invasive procedures. A urologist can create a personalized plan to restore normal bladder function.
Urinary retention is the inability to empty your bladder. While it may sound minor, this condition is more common than you might think and can quickly become serious if left untreated. Both men and women can experience urinary retention, although it occurs more frequently in men due to prostate problems.
When left unaddressed, urinary retention may lead to complications such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder damage, or even kidney problems. That’s why early diagnosis and treatment are essential for protecting your health.
What Is Urinary Retention?
Urinary retention occurs when your bladder does not fully empty. In some cases, it means you cannot urinate at all, while in others, you only pass small amounts of urine each time.
There are two main types:
- Acute urinary retention develops suddenly and is extremely painful.
- Chronic urinary retention progresses gradually and may not cause obvious pain, but it can still damage the bladder over time.
Types of Urinary Retention
We briefly went over the above, but let’s go deeper into each kind. There are two main forms of urinary retention, and each has different causes, symptoms, and levels of urgency.
Acute Urinary Retention
Acute urinary retention is a sudden, complete inability to urinate. It causes intense lower abdominal pain and pressure and is considered a medical emergency.
Common causes include:
- Enlarged prostate in men
- Complications after surgery
- Certain medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants
Immediate treatment is required, often starting with catheterization to relieve the bladder.
Chronic Urinary Retention
Chronic urinary retention happens gradually and is marked by incomplete bladder emptying. Many people do not realize they have it until they experience frequent UTIs, weak urine flow, or bladder damage. Because symptoms can be subtle, regular medical evaluation is important.
Symptoms of Urinary Retention
The symptoms vary depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic.
Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty starting urination
- Frequent urination in small amounts
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Feeling like the bladder never fully empties
For acute cases, patients may experience severe pain or pressure in the lower abdomen and a sudden inability to urinate. This requires emergency care.
Causes of Urinary Retention
Urinary retention can develop for many different reasons, ranging from physical blockages to nerve problems or even the side effects of certain medications. Here are a few of the potential causes:
General Causes
Several conditions can interfere with the normal flow of urine:
- Enlarged prostate (BPH): the most common cause in men.
- Nerve problems: damage from diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury can disrupt bladder control.
- Blockages: kidney stones, urethral strictures, or tumors can block urine flow.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: weak or tight muscles can make emptying the bladder difficult.
Causes in Women
While less common, women may also develop urinary retention due to:
- Pelvic organ prolapse (when pelvic organs shift and press on the bladder).
- Post-pregnancy changes that affect bladder function.
- Scar tissue or prior pelvic surgery that narrows the urethra.
Medication-Induced Urinary Retention
Certain medications can worsen or trigger urinary retention. These include:
- Anticholinergics (used for overactive bladder or asthma)
- Antihistamines (found in allergy medications)
- Decongestants (like pseudoephedrine in cold medicines)
- Some antidepressants that affect bladder muscle tone
Note: Always review medications with your doctor if you notice urinary changes.
Urinary Retention and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary retention and UTIs are closely linked. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding urinary retention and UTIs:
- Can urinary retention cause UTIs? Yes. When urine stays in the bladder, bacteria have more time to grow, increasing the risk of infection.
- Can UTIs cause urinary retention? Yes. Inflammation and swelling from infection can block urine flow, especially in severe cases.
Post-Operative Urinary Retention
Some people develop urinary retention after surgery. This may be caused by:
- Anesthesia affecting bladder control
- Pain medications relaxing bladder muscles
- Limited mobility after surgery
In most cases, post-operative urinary retention is temporary and resolves within a few days. If problems persist, follow-up with your doctor is important to rule out underlying causes.
Diagnosis & Testing
To diagnose urinary retention, your doctor may perform:
- Physical exam and medical history to identify risk factors.
- Post-void residual measurement: an ultrasound scan to measure how much urine remains in your bladder after urination.
- Cystoscopy or urodynamic testing: procedures that provide detailed information about bladder and urethral function.
These tests help determine whether retention is acute, chronic, or related to another condition.
Treatment for Urinary Retention
Immediate Relief
For acute cases, the first step is catheterization, which quickly drains the bladder and relieves pain.
Medications
- Alpha-blockers (such as tamsulosin) relax the muscles in the bladder neck and prostate to improve urine flow.
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (such as finasteride) shrink an enlarged prostate over time.
- Cholinergic agents stimulate bladder contractions in some patients.
Procedures & Surgery
If medications do not resolve the issue, procedures may be necessary:
- Prostate surgery (like Aquablation and UroLift) to relieve obstruction from BPH.
- Urethral dilation or stents to widen narrowed passages.
- Neuromodulation therapy to help restore nerve signals that control urination.
Ultimately, your urologist will be the best point of contact to recommend the best treatment based on the cause and severity of your condition.
How to Prevent Urinary Retention
Though it is not always preventable, there are a few ways you can lower your risk, including:
- Staying hydrated with enough fluids throughout the day.
- Managing prostate health and getting regular check-ups (for men).
- Review medications with your doctor if urinary symptoms appear.
- Treating UTIs promptly to prevent complications.
- Maintaining regular bladder habits and avoiding “holding it in” for long periods.
Schedule Urinary Retention Treatment in Houston, Webster, or Katy
Urinary retention can develop suddenly as a painful emergency or progress gradually over time. In either case, early evaluation and treatment are essential to protect your bladder, prevent infections, and reduce the risk of kidney damage.
If you’re experiencing difficulty urinating, a weak stream, frequent urination in small amounts, or a feeling that your bladder never fully empties, don’t wait to seek care. Our urology specialists provide comprehensive urinary retention diagnosis and treatment in Houston, Webster, and Katy.
Schedule an appointment today to receive a personalized evaluation and a treatment plan designed to restore comfort and protect your long-term health.
