What is acute urine retention?

What is acute urine retention?

Acute urinary retention happens suddenly and lasts only a short time. People with acute urinary retention are unable to urinate even though they have a full bladder. Acute urinary retention can cause severe pain and be life threatening.

What is the difference between acute and chronic urinary retention?

Urinary retention is the inability to voluntarily urinate. Acute urinary retention is the sudden and often painful inability to void despite having a full bladder. 1 Chronic urinary retention is painless retention associated with an increased volume of residual urine.

What is the most common cause of acute urinary retention?

Acute urinary retention (AUR) is the inability to voluntarily pass urine. It is the most common urologic emergency [1]. In men, AUR is most often secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); AUR is rare in women [2,3]. This topic will review issues related to evaluation and management of AUR.

Why is acute urinary retention an emergency?

Urinary retention is considered an emergency medical condition because it disrupts the natural flow of urine, and the normal functioning of the urinary system. Urinary retention is extremely uncomfortable and will trigger severe pain as the bladder continues to stretch and fill with urine.

How is acute urinary retention diagnosed?

A health care professional may use urinary tract imaging tests such as an ultrasound, VCUG, MRI, or CT scan to find out what’s causing your urinary retention.

How do you treat acute urinary retention?

Pelvic floor muscle exercises, also called Kegel exercises, help the nerves and muscles that you use to empty your bladder work better. Physical therapy can help you gain control over your urinary retention symptoms.

What is the best treatment for acute urinary retention?

Can acute urinary retention be cured?

A special knife or laser is then used to make a cut (incision) that opens the stricture. For men with urinary retention caused by prostate gland enlargement, prostate surgery may cure the urinary retention. Women may need surgery to lift a fallen bladder or rectum into its normal position.

What is the best treatment for urinary retention?

How serious is urinary retention?

Acute urinary retention can be life threatening. If you have any of the other symptoms of urinary retention, such as trouble urinating, frequent urination, or leaking urine, talk with your health care professional about your symptoms and possible treatments. Chronic urinary retention can cause serious health problems.

Is urinary retention an emergency?

People with acute urinary retention cannot urinate at all, even though they have a full bladder. Acute urinary retention, a potentially life-threatening medical condition, requires immediate emergency treatment. Acute urinary retention can cause great discomfort or pain.

What are the symptoms of urinary retention?

Symptoms of Urinary Retention A complete inability to pass urine. A painful urge to urinate. Pain or swelling in your lower abdomen.