When the bladder is full, nerve receptors trigger the brain to send nerve signals to the muscles that contract the bladder and allow it to empty. In order for the bladder to empty, urine travels down the urethra and out of the body. Any disorder or disease that interferes with proper nerve signaling or causes abnormalities in the urinary structures can result in incomplete emptying of the bladder, or urinary retention.
Neurogenic Bladder
Neurogenic bladder is characterized by incomplete emptying of the bladder due to neurological damage. This neurological damage may be a result of central nervous system disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, injury to the spinal cord or damage to the peripheral nerves from alcoholism, diabetes or vitamin deficiencies, according to MedlinePlus. In addition to the inability to completely empty the bladder, other symptoms of neurogenic bladder include leaking of urine, loss of bladder control and a frequent urge to urinate. Treatment for neurogenic bladder consists of medications to make the nerves more active and exercises that can help strengthen the bladder to avoid urinary leakage. People with diseases such as multiple sclerosis may require catheters, according to MedlinePlus.
Urethral Stricture
The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. A urethral stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the urethra that can hinder proper urine flow. Common causes of a urethral stricture are swelling and the buildup of scar tissue from prior surgeries or injuries, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A urethral stricture occurs mostly in men and rarely affects women. Symptoms of a urethral stricture include decreased urine output, difficulty urinating, blood in the semen, dark urine, incomplete emptying of the bladder, abnormal discharge, pelvic pain and swelling of the penis. Initial treatments for a urethral stricture include inserting an instrument into the urethra in an attempt to dilate it. If this is ineffective, surgery may be necessary to open up the urethra.
Prostate Gland Enlargement
The prostate gland is a small organ that sits behind the bladder and is responsible for producing the semen that carries sperm. As men get older, the prostate gland naturally increases in size. In some men, the growth is significant enough to cause a variety of symptoms. This condition is called prostate gland enlargement. Symptoms include difficulty beginning urination, weak flow of urine, frequent urge to urinate, incomplete emptying of the bladder, blood in the urine and stopping and starting of urine flow while urinating, according to MayoClinic.com. Prostate gland enlargement is initially treated with a combination of medications. If conventional treatment is ineffective, surgery may be needed to reduce the size of the prostate.
