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Acute urinary retention is a condition in which a person is unable to pass urine or can only pass a little urine. This condition can happen suddenly and last for a short time. If left untreated, it can become long-term (chronic) and result in kidney damage or other serious complications.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

  • Obstruction or narrowing of the tube that drains the bladder (urethra). This may be caused by surgery, problems with nearby organs, or injury to the bladder or urethra.

  • Problems with the nerves in the bladder.

  • Pelvic organ prolapse.

  • Tumours in the area of the pelvis, bladder, or urethra.

  • Vaginal childbirth.

  • Bladder or urinary tract infection.

  • Constipation.

  • Certain medicines.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in women over age 50. Other chronic health conditions can increase the risk of acute urinary retention. These include:

  • Diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

  • Spinal cord injuries.

  • Diabetes.

  • Degenerative cognitive conditions, such as delirium or dementia.

  • Psychological conditions. A woman may hold her urine due to trauma or because she does not want to use the bathroom.

  • History of pre-existing urinary retention.

  • History of prior pelvic surgery, incontinence surgery, or radical pelvic surgery.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • Trouble passing urine.

  • Pain in the lower abdomen.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on a physical examination and your medical history. You may also have other tests, including:

  • An ultrasound of the bladder or kidneys or both.

  • Blood tests.

  • A urine analysis.

  • Additional tests may be needed, such as a CT scan, MRI, and kidney or bladder function tests.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition may include:

  • Medicines.

  • Placing a thin, sterile tube (catheter) into the bladder to drain urine out of the body. This is called an indwelling urinary catheter. After it is inserted, the catheter is held in place with a small balloon that is filled with sterile water. Urine drains from the catheter into a collection bag outside the body.

  • Behavioural therapy.

  • Treatment for other conditions.

If needed, you may be treated in the hospital for kidney function problems or to manage other complications.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as instructed by your healthcare provider. Avoid certain medicines, such as decongestants, antihistamines and some prescription medicines. Do not take any medicine unless your healthcare provider approves.

  • If you were prescribed an antibiotic, take it as instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

General instructions

  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your healthcare provider.

  • Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.

  • If you have an indwelling urinary catheter, follow the instructions from your healthcare provider.

  • Monitor any changes in your symptoms. Tell your healthcare provider about any changes.

  • If instructed, monitor your blood pressure at home. Report changes as instructed by your healthcare provider.

  • Keep all follow-up appointments. This is important.

Contact a healthcare provider if:

  • You have uncomfortable bladder contractions that you cannot control (spasms).

  • You leak urine with the spasms.

Get help right away if:

  • You have chills or a fever.

  • You have blood in your urine.

  • You have a catheter and the following happens:

    • Your catheter stops draining urine.

    • Your catheter falls out.

Summary

  • Acute urinary retention is a condition in which a person is unable to pass urine or can only pass a little urine. If left untreated, this can result in kidney damage or other serious complications.

  • One cause of this condition may be obstruction or narrowing of the tube that drains the bladder (urethra). This may be caused by surgery, problems with nearby organs, or injury to the bladder or urethra.

  • Treatment may include medicines and placement of an indwelling urinary catheter.

  • Monitor any changes in your symptoms. Tell your healthcare provider about any changes.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.