Bladder retention, medically known as urinary retention, refers to a condition where you are unable to completely empty your bladder. The Merck Manual states that this condition can be temporary or chronic.
Causes
According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), bladder retention can be caused by a wide variety of conditions. For example, nerve injury such as in stroke or vaginal childbirth can cause urinary retention. A urinary tract infection, certain medications like antihistamines and an enlarged prostate in men are just some other causes of bladder retention.
Symptoms
According to the Merck Manual, bladder retention can cause frequent urination, stomach distension and pain.
Diagnosis
The NKUDIC says that your doctor will obtain a urine sample to look for infection. She also may perform obtain a bladder scan (ultrasound image) to determine how much urine is retained in the bladder. Other diagnostic options include a blood test and an X-ray.
Complications
The Merck Manual says that if bladder retention is left untreated, you are prone to urinary tract infections. In the worst-case scenario, the increased bladder pressure can lead to obstructive uropathy where your urine can back up into your urinary tract and cause serious harm to your kidneys.
Treatment
Your doctor will commonly insert a catheter (tube) into your urethra (region where your urine exits the body) to drain the urine out of your bladder. Other surgical treatment options are available to address an enlarged prostate or cystocele (fallen bladder) that may contribute to bladder retention.
