URINARY RETENTION
PROBLEM
Urinary retention is the inability to empty your bladder. Symptoms include not being able to urinate or the inability to empty your bladder completely. Acute urinary retention can cause a great deal of discomfort or pain when you cannot empty your bladder even though it is full, and is considered a medical emergency.
CAUSES
There are many causes of urinary retention, including from side effects of medications or a blockage of the bladder such as from a kidney stone. Other causes include a urinary tract infection (UTI); not emptying your bladder after surgery; stroke; multiple sclerosis; or trauma. The most common cause for men is related to the prostate. One cause for urinary obstruction is a prolapse of the uterus or cystocele/rectocele. Women may experience urinary retention after delivery of a baby.
PREVENTION
None.
TREATMENT PLAN
Treatment depends on the cause and how bad the symptoms are:
A.Medication side effects can cause urinary retention but there are others that can help.
B.An operation to fix the obstruction may be needed.
C.Do not take over-the-counter medications such as cold medications, decongestants, antihistamines (for allergies), and diarrhea medicines. They make symptoms worse.
D.Always read labels to check for advice: for example, Do not take if you have prostate enlargement.
E.Avoid drinking liquids before bedtime or before going out.
F.Double void to empty your bladder more completely.
G.You may be given a bladder diary to fill out and bring to your next visit.
H.In some cases you may be taught to insert a catheter into your bladder to empty it and relieve the symptoms.
I.Empty your bladder on a schedule every 2 to 3 hours to prevent overfilling of the bladder.
Activity: There are no restrictions. You may need to plan schedules with access to bathrooms in mind. Kegel exercise may help for some women.
Diet: Avoid spicy foods that irritate the bladder. Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics and increase your need to urinate.
Medications:
A.Medications may be prescribed to help relieve urinary retention by relaxing the muscles that control urination.
B.Antibiotics are used if there is also an infection in your bladder or prostate.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
EMERGENT ISSUES/INSTRUCTIONS
Call your health provider or go to the emergency room immediately if you are unable to urinate. This is considered a medical emergency.
A.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
RESOURCES
American Urogynecologic Society: www.augs.org
American Urological Association: www.UrologyHealth.org
National Association for Continence: www.nafc.org
The Simon Foundation for Continence: www.simonfoundation.org
Urinary Catheterization Female: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000144.htm
Urinary Catheterization Male: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000143.htm
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE