Diseases
urinary retention
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Urinary retention is a condition in which you cannot empty all the urine from your bladder. Urinary retention can be acute—a sudden inability to urinate, or chronic—a gradual inability to completely empty the bladder of urine.
Symptoms
- hard time starting the flow of urine.
- weak flow once they start
- leakage
- urgency
Causes
- a blockage to the way urine leaves your body.
- medications you’re taking for other conditions.
- nerve issues that interrupt the way your brain and urinary system communicate.
Risk factors
- advanced age, male sex, joint replacement surgery, history of hypertension.
Diagnosis
- history and physical exam.
- ultrasound of the bladder
- cystoscopy
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is urinary retention?
Urinary retention is a condition in which you cannot empty all the urine from your bladder. Urinary retention can be acute—a sudden inability to urinate, or chronic—a gradual inability to completely empty the bladder of urine.
What are the symptoms of urinary retention?
hard time starting the flow of urine., weak flow once they start, leakage, urgency
What causes urinary retention?
a blockage to the way urine leaves your body.; medications you’re taking for other conditions.; nerve issues that interrupt the way your brain and urinary system communicate.
Which medicines are used for urinary retention?
bethanechol
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