The urinary system consists of two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder and a urethra. The ureters connect the kidneys to the bladder, and the urethra connects the bladder to outside the body. A dysfunction in the system may cause urinary retention. Urinary retention occurs when the bladder doesn't release urine as normal. Some conditions affecting the bladder can affect both sexes, but some causes affect one gender over the other.
Paruresis
Paruresis is a fear of urinating in public. This phobia causes urinary retention due to avoiding public restrooms, according to the American Urological Association Foundation. Sexual abuse, public embarrassment or another traumatic event may trigger the condition. Possible treatment options for paruresis include self-catheterization, medication and hypnotherapy.
Nerve Damage
Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and vaginal childbirth, can damage the nerves connected to the bladder. Nerve impairment affects the bladder in a couple of different ways. The nerves may not signal properly to the brain that the bladder is full, or the nerves going to the bladder may not trigger the bladder to release the urine.
Prostate Problems
Men may experience urinary retention related to problems with the prostate. The prostate is a gland that wraps around the urethra. As a man ages, the prostate may enlarge and compress the urethra. The compressed urethra leads to contractions in the bladder and bladder weakness, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Stones
Urinary stones can form along any portion of the urinary tract, according to the Merck Manuals. The stones occur from excessive amounts of substances in the urine. Symptoms of urinary stones include pain, vomiting, bloody urine and urinary retention. Urinary retention occurs due to a large stone physically blocking the passage of urine.
Medications
Specific classes of medicines that may cause urinary retention include tricyclic antidepressants, medications with anticholinergic side effects and antihistamines. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline, treat clinical depression and anxiety. Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine and cetirizine, help control allergic responses in the body, including drying excessive secretions. Medications with anticholinergic side effects, including hyoscyamine and oxybutynin, treat conditions such as urinary incontinence and stomach cramping. They commonly cause adverse reactions that include a dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention and constipation.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease, can cause symptoms such as reddened blisters that break open and form ulcers on the genitals. The ulcers and blisters may cause pain or itching in the entire genital area. For females, a complication of genital herpes includes urinary retention due to sores and inflammation to the urethra.
