When you can't empty your bladder completely during
urination, the condition is known medically as urinary
retention. Men with this problem may be able to pass only small
amounts of urine or none at all.
Causes
Urinary retention develops when
the duct that drains the bladder (the urethra) becomes
blocked--often by an enlarged prostate gland. The condition may
also be caused by certain medicines, an infection, an injury,
or bladder stones.
Signs/Symptoms
The condition is characterized by
frequent, strong urges to urinate accompanied by an inability
to actually pass very much urine. There may be dribbling or
leakage during the day and while you are asleep. You may need
to push in order to start urination.
Treatment
The doctor will have your urine
tested, and may examine your bladder through a tube threaded up
the urethra. To keep the bladder drained, the doctor may insert
a soft tube called a catheter. There are also various medicines
that can reduce the blockage and encourage
urination.
Risks
Left untreated, this condition
can lead to urinary tract infections and serious kidney
problems.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Do not let your bladder get too full. Urinate as much
as you can whenever you feel the urge.
If your doctor has installed a catheter, do NOT pull
on it or try to remove it yourself. Keep the urine bag
attached to the catheter below the level of your
bladder.
Drink enough water to keep your urine clear or pale
yellow. This helps keep the catheter from
clogging.
Call Your Doctor If...
Your symptoms return or get
worse.
Your urine becomes cloudy and foul smelling, or you
experience pain or burning when you pass urine. These are
signs of infection.
You have a high temperature.
Your catheter comes out, or you have redness, pain,
blood, or drainage where the catheter enters the penis.
These are signs of infection or
irritation.
Seek Care Immediately If...
You cannot pass any urine or, if you have a catheter,
no urine is filling the bag.
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