Urinary retention, the inability to empty the bladder, may be acute or chronic. Acute urinary retention is the inability to urinate at all and requires immediate medical attention, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Patients with chronic urinary retention, on the other hand, are able to urinate to some extent but have difficulty emptying the bladder completely. The condition can be caused by an obstruction that slows or stops the flow of urine or by a disruption in the nervous signals between the brain and the bladder.
Neurogenic Bladder
Damage to the nerves and nerve pathways can cause urinary retention because the bladder does not contract normally or because the coordination between the bladder and the external urethral function is lost. Nerve problems can occur after vaginal childbirth or injury to the brain, pelvis or spinal cord, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Medical conditions such as diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis, heavy metal poisoning, infections of the brain or spinal cord or birth defects may also cause nerve damage.
Prostate Involvement
The prostate may enlarge as a man ages, putting pressure on the urethra that causes problems with urination, according to the American Urological Association Foundation. Symptoms may include frequent urination, especially at night; urgency, dribbling, difficulties starting urination and, in severe cases, an inability to urinate at all.
Urethral Stricture
Injury, infection or inflammation of the urethra can block the flow of urine, according to the American Urological Association Foundation. Urethral stricture is more common in men because their urethra is longer than that of women. Pelvic fractures, sexually transmitted disease, prostate surgery, removal of kidney stones or urinary catheterization can traumatize the urethra, causing bladder retention.
Medications to Control Behavior
Certain drugs can cause urinary retention by blocking nerve signals, notes the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Urinary retention is a side effect of antihistamines, antispasmodics used for muscle or stomach cramps, some antidepressants and medications used to treat urinary incontinence.
Bladder Stones
Stones formed in the urinary tract can obstruct the opening between the bladder and the urethra, causing urinary retention, notes the Mayo Clinic. Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, neurogenic bladder and kidney stones may develop bladder stones.
Bladder Prolapse
If a woman’s pelvic floor muscles and ligaments stretch and weaken, the bladder can droop into the vagina, making it difficult to empty the bladder, reports the American Urological Association Foundation. Women who have had multiple pregnancies are at risk for developing bladder prolapse, as are those who have a chronic cough, constipation, a history of pelvic surgery or who do heavy lifting.
