Urine retention, also known as urinary retention, is a condition where one is unable to fully empty their bladder. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and other complications if left untreated. There are several potential causes of urine retention, as well as different treatment options available. Here we will explore the common causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and both at-home and medical treatments for urine retention.
What causes urine retention?
There are a number of possible underlying causes of urine retention, including:
- Neurological disorders – Damage to the nervous system, such as from a stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or dementia can disrupt the nerve signals between the brain and bladder needed for proper urination.
- Obstruction – Blockages from kidney stones, prostate enlargement, tumors, bladder stones, blood clots, or constipation can prevent urine from properly flowing out of the body.
- Medications – Certain drugs like anticholinergics, antidepressants, narcotics, and calcium channel blockers can interfere with bladder control.
- Infection – Swelling and inflammation from urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections can block urine flow.
- Pregnancy – Pressure from the expanding uterus can restrict urine from fully emptying.
- Surgery – Damage from surgery on or near the urinary tract can temporarily or permanently disrupt normal urinary function.
- Aging – Weakening of the bladder muscles occurs naturally with age, making it harder to fully empty the bladder.
There are also some factors that can increase the risk of developing urine retention:
- Being male – Men have a higher frequency due to having an enlarged prostate later in life.
- Diabetes – Poor blood sugar control can lead to nerve damage affecting urination.
- Overusing laxatives – This can weaken the muscles used for urination.
- Genetics – There are some inherited conditions associated with impaired bladder emptying.
- Pelvic surgery – Any surgery near the reproductive organs or urinary tract can damage related nerves.
What are the symptoms of urine retention?
Common signs and symptoms of urine retention include:
- Difficulty starting a urine stream
- Weak urine stream, dribbling, or spraying
- Straining or pushing to urinate
- Urinating frequently but passing only small amounts
- Feeling like the bladder isn’t empty after urinating
- Needing to urinate again shortly after using the bathroom
- Urine leakage or accidental loss of urine
- Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia)
- Sudden urges to urinate
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Blood in the urine
- Lower abdominal pain or pressure
- Lower back pain
In severe cases, someone may experience:
- Inability to urinate at all
- Swelling in the lower abdomen
- Uncontrollable leakage of urine (overflow incontinence)
- Bladder distension that can be felt at the lower abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Fever and chills from an infected backed-up bladder (pyelonephritis)
How is urine retention diagnosed?
If urine retention is suspected, a doctor will typically first perform a physical exam of the abdomen to feel for a distended bladder. They may also check for swollen prostate in men or signs of prolapse in women.
Other common tests used to diagnose urine retention and its cause include:
- Urinalysis – Checking a urine sample for signs of infection, blood, or other abnormalities.
- Prostate exam – Feeling the size and shape of the prostate gland through the rectum.
- Bladder scan – Using ultrasound to measure remaining urine in the bladder after going to the bathroom.
- Uroflowmetry – Measuring urine flow rate to check for obstruction.
- Cystoscopy – Using a tiny camera on the end of a flexible tube inserted through the urethra to visually inspect the urethra and bladder.
- Urodynamics – Testing the bladder’s ability to hold and release urine.
- Imaging tests – Ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs to look for blockages or health issues.
- Post-void residual – Catheterizing after urination to measure any leftover urine.
Based on the results of these tests, the doctor can determine if there is an obstruction, nerve dysfunction, weakened bladder muscles, infection, or other issue causing the urine retention.
What are some natural ways to release urine retention?
For mild cases of urine retention, some home remedies may help provide relief and improve bladder emptying. However, it’s important to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause.
Some natural methods to help urinate more easily include:
- Stay hydrated – Drinking adequate water and avoiding dehydration allows for thinner, less concentrated urine that can flow out more easily.
- Urinate regularly – Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the need to avoid overfilling the bladder and don’t delay once you have the urge to go.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol – These beverages can stimulate the bladder or act as diuretics, making retention worse.
- Try double voiding– Urinate as much as possible, relax for a bit, and then try to go again to fully empty the bladder.
- Apply a warm compress – A heated pad, towel, or water bottle placed on the lower abdomen can help relax pelvic muscles.
- Practice pelvic exercises – Kegels can strengthen pelvic muscles and improve control.
- Use proper bathroom posture – Lean forward slightly rather than sitting straight up and down while urinating.
- Take over-the-counter medications – There are OTC cystitis relief pills that can help relax the bladder and improve flow.
If home treatments aren’t providing enough relief, there are additional natural remedies that may help release mild urine retention:
- Corn silk tea – Contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe urinary tract irritation.
- Marshmallow root – Has antioxidants that can coat and protect the bladder lining.
- Uva ursi – An herb that may help fight infection while reducing bladder spasms.
- Cranberry juice – Helps keep bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract to prevent infection.
- Acupuncture – Alternative therapy that may improve urinary flow and control.
What medical treatments can help?
If at-home remedies aren’t effective at relieving urine retention, there are various medical treatments available based on the underlying cause:
- Catheterization – Inserting a thin tube (catheter) through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine. This provides immediate relief but isn’t a permanent solution.
- Medications – Drugs like alpha-blockers, anticholinergics, or smooth muscle relaxants that can relax the prostate or bladder neck to improve urine flow.
- Prostate surgery – Removal of enlarged prostate tissue pressing on the urethra to allow urine to flow freely again.
- Bladder neck surgery – Loosening of the bladder neck and urethral muscles in women to aid urine release.
- Nerve stimulation – Using an implanted device or external generator to send electrical signals to nerves controlling the bladder.
- Bladder training – Following a toileting schedule to re-establish bladder control through relaxation techniques and pelvic floor exercises.
- Diet changes – Avoiding foods and beverages that can irritate the bladder, like carbonated drinks, chocolate, citrus, and caffeine.
- Smoking cessation – Quitting smoking improves bladder function and urine flow.
In severe recurrent or chronic cases, surgery may be needed to expand the bladder or divert urine flow. The specific treatments will depend on the underlying cause of urine retention determined through testing.
What complications can occur from urine retention?
If urine retention isn’t treated promptly, a number of serious complications can arise:
- Repeated urinary tract infections
- Bladder damage and rupture
- Kidney damage or failure
- Sepsis from kidney infection reaching the bloodstream
- Incontinence from bladder muscle weakening
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Bladder stones
- Permanent urinary tract damage
That’s why it’s critical to see a doctor right away if you experience signs of urine retention that don’t resolve with natural home treatments. Proper diagnosis and prompt medical treatment can help avoid permanent bladder dysfunction or kidney damage.
When should you call a doctor?
You should make an urgent same-day appointment with your doctor if you experience:
- Inability to urinate at all
- Weak urine stream or difficulty emptying the bladder
- Lower abdominal pain and swelling
- Fever and chills along with urinary symptoms
- Blood in the urine
- Increased confusion or change in mental status, especially in the elderly
- Persistent or recurring urine retention after trying home treatments
Seeking prompt medical care is crucial if you are unable to urinate or empty your bladder. This condition can quickly progress to a life-threatening medical emergency requiring catheterization or other intervention to drain the backed-up urine.
When to seek emergency treatment?
You should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Complete inability to urinate for 8 hours or more
- Extreme bladder pain and lower back discomfort
- Visible distension or swelling of the lower abdomen
- Vomiting and confusion due to high levels of toxins in untreated urine retention
- Fever with chills, body shakes, or very weak urine flow
- Uncontrolled leaking of urine or blood in the urine with fever
These signs indicate possible kidney infection or bladder rupture needing emergency drainage right away. Urine retention left untreated can quickly rise to become a life-threatening medical condition.
How can urine retention be prevented?
Some ways to help prevent urine retention problems include:
- Urinate as soon as you feel the need to go
- Avoid holding urine or delaying urination when possible
- Double void to fully empty your bladder
- Stay hydrated to avoid overly concentrated urine
- Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles
- Following doctor’s orders after surgery affecting the urinary tract
- Avoiding medications, foods, and beverages that irritate the bladder
- Managing enlarged prostate or frequent UTIs responsibly
- Getting regular physicals to evaluate prostate health in older males
- Quitting smoking to maximize bladder function
While some urine retention risk factors are unavoidable, taking proactive precautions allows for earlier treatment if signs do arise before serious complications can occur.
Conclusion
Urine retention is a common but serious condition where the bladder doesn’t fully empty. Typical symptoms include difficulty urinating, dribbling, frequent urination, incontinence, and pain. It’s most often caused by prostate issues in men, UTIs, bladder stones, neurological disorders, or certain medications. If basic home treatments like hydration, heat, and OTC meds don’t help, see your doctor promptly for medical treatment to avoid potentially permanent bladder or kidney damage. Urine retention is very treatable, especially when identified early before complications can arise.