In chronic retention, the bladder still functions, but you’re unable to fully empty your bladder. There may be no pain, but associated symptoms include a feeling of incomplete emptying, poor stream, urinary frequency and urgency, or difficulty passing urine. Some aren’t aware they can’t empty their bladder fully until incontinence or a urinary infection occur. You should see a doctor immediately if you have acute retention and are unable to pass any urine when your bladder feels full and painful.
High-pressure chronic urinary retention is similar, but the bladder is tense and kidney impairment occurs due to back pressure, which needs urgent drainage.
Urinary retention is more common in men than women, and with ageing, affecting one in 100 men in their 70s, and three in 100 in their 80s.
The causes in men include benign prostatic enlargement, prostate cancer, urethral strictures, infections, constipation, surgery, antidepressants, decongestants, and muscle relaxants – including bladder relaxants used to treat an overactive bladder or incontinence. In women, it can occur following pelvic prolapse, pelvic masses, constipation or with medications as for men. Tests will be needed; the treatment and outcome then depend on that.
Treatment
The GP will take a history and examine you for swellings in the abdomen, plus a genital and rectal examination for prolapse or for enlarged prostate in men. If needed, they’ll put in a urinary catheter and measure the residual volume, test your urine for infection, and do blood tests including kidney function.
Denne historien er fra January 05, 2021-utgaven av WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 05, 2021-utgaven av WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
10 OF THE BEST Buys for CHARITY
Look great and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October
How to HAGGLE
Save those £££s by plucking up the courage to negotiate
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Good to GLOW
Plant your bulbs now for a lovely bright start to spring
Painted VASES
Prettify empty jars and bottles with this quick craft project
Escape to OXFORD
Delve into the city's rich cultural heritage for a wonderful weekend
Sail through menopause WITHOUT WEIGHT GAIN!
Middle-aged spread may seem inevitable - but it really doesn't have to be
Woodland wonders
When you go down to the woods, you'll find a whole new world teeming with life
'We should all be dancing'
Singer and actor Toyah Willcox on overcoming adversity, ageing and Strictly Come Dancing