Bladder retention, also known as urinary retention, is a condition where you are unable to empty your bladder. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), anyone can experience urinary retention, but it is most common in men between the ages of 50 and 60.
Symptoms
According to the Physician's Desktop Reference (PDR), the most common symptoms of bladder retention include difficult, painful or slow urinary flow. You can also have pain in your stomach, lower back or thighs.
Cause
The NKUDIC states that nerve damage (fibers that control your bladder muscle) and obstruction in your urinary system via kidneys stones or an enlarged prostate cause bladder retention disorder. Surgery, constipation and medications such as fexofenadine and imipramine can also lead to bladder retention disorder.
Diagnosis
According to PDR Health, bladder retention disorder is diagnosed with a blood test, urine sample and digital rectal exam. Imaging tests such as a KUB (kidney, ureter and bladder) X-ray, ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) scan allow your doctor to visualize your urinary tract for abnormalities.
Complications
The NKUDIC states that complications for bladder retention disorder include a urinary tract infection, bladder damage and chronic kidney disease.
Treatment
Treatment for bladder retention disorder includes catherization to help drain your urine, medications such as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors and surgery to remove the obstruction.
