Urinary Retention

Urinary retention is the inability to completely empty your bladder. This can lead to a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the lower abdomen, and frequent urination attempts with little urine output. At Urology Specialists of Ohio, our understanding urologists offer a comprehensive approach to diagnose and treat urinary retention, helping you regain control of your bladder function and improve your quality of life.

Understanding Urinary Retention

Urinary retention can be caused by various factors, including weakened bladder muscles, blockage in the urethra, neurological problems, or medications. Our urologists will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause of your urinary retention and recommend the most suitable treatment approach.

Types of Urinary Retention

There are two main types of urinary retention:

• Acute urinary retention: This is a sudden inability to urinate and requires prompt medical attention.
• Chronic urinary retention: This is the inability to completely empty your bladder, which can occur for a longer period.

Symptoms of Urinary Retention

The symptoms of urinary retention can vary depending on the type and severity. Some common symptoms may include:

• Inability to urinate or difficulty starting urination
• Feeling of fullness or discomfort in the lower abdomen
• Frequent urination attempts with little urine output
• Overflow incontinence (uncontrolled dribbling of urine due to a full bladder)
• Pain or burning sensation during urination (in some cases)

Diagnosis of Urinary Retention

Early diagnosis of urinary retention is crucial to prevent complications. At Urology Specialists of Ohio, our urologists may utilize various diagnostic tools, such as:

• Medical history and physical exam: Discussing your symptoms and performing a physical exam can provide valuable insights.
• Urinalysis and urine culture: These tests can rule out underlying infections that might contribute to retention.
• Uroflowmetry: This test measures the rate and force of your urine flow.
• Post-void residual (PVR) urine volume test: This test measures the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination.
• Imaging tests: Ultrasound or X-rays may be used to visualize the bladder and urethra and identify potential blockages.

Treatment Options for Urinary Retention

The most effective treatment for urinary retention depends on the underlying cause and severity. At Urology Specialists of Ohio, we offer a range of treatment options, including:

• Catheterization: A thin tube is inserted into the bladder to drain urine.
• Medications: Medications may be prescribed to relax the bladder muscles or strengthen bladder contractions.
• Minimally invasive procedures: In some cases, minimally invasive procedures may be used to address blockages in the urethra.
• Surgery: In certain cases, surgery may be recommended to correct anatomical abnormalities or address severe bladder dysfunction.
• Lifestyle modifications: Managing fluid intake, addressing constipation, and performing pelvic floor muscle exercises can improve bladder function.

Regaining Bladder Control

Urinary retention is a treatable condition. With a personalized treatment plan from Urology Specialists of Ohio, you can experience significant improvement in your bladder function, regain control of urination, and improve your quality of life. Our urologists are dedicated to providing you with compassionate care, clear communication about treatment options, and ongoing monitoring to ensure successful management of urinary retention.