Did you know that we spend an average of 2,208 hours on the toilet over the course of our lives? That’s a lot of bathroom time! For those dealing with difficulty urinating, it could be even longer. If you often feel like you need to go but struggle to get started, you might be experiencing urinary retention. This condition occurs when your bladder isn’t able to empty properly and can either happen suddenly (acute) or develop gradually (chronic).
Acute urinary retention often comes with pain and an urgent need to urinate, while chronic retention may not cause any noticeable discomfort but can still lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Regardless of whether it’s acute or chronic, it’s something your doctor needs to address.
There are several potential reasons for urinary retention, and your treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Here are five common reasons you might be experiencing this issue and what can be done to help.
### 1. Aging
Aging often comes with its own set of challenges, especially for men over 50. For men, the urethra can become narrowed due to an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). This condition is very common and can lead to symptoms like incomplete bladder emptying, frequent urination, a sudden urge to go, and waking up at night to urinate. While these symptoms may be frustrating, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor instead of just chalking them up to aging.
Women aren’t off the hook either, though it’s less common. For older women, a pelvic prolapse can lead to urinary retention. This happens when the muscles and tissues supporting the bladder or rectum weaken, causing these organs to shift out of place.
### 2. Medications
Certain medications might be the culprit behind your inability to pee. Medications like antihistamines, decongestants, muscle relaxers, and some drugs for anxiety or depression can interfere with the bladder’s ability to empty properly.
### 3. Surgery
Post-surgery urinary retention is also fairly common. Anesthesia used during procedures can temporarily impair nerve function, while IV fluids can fill up the bladder. For most people, these effects wear off after a while, but some might experience ongoing issues.
### 4. Nerve and Spinal Cord Problems
Sometimes, urinary retention is linked to nerve damage that disrupts communication between your brain and bladder. If the nerves aren’t functioning properly, your brain may not recognize that your bladder is full. Common causes of nerve damage include childbirth, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries.
### 5. Other Causes
There are a variety of other issues that can block or narrow the urethra, leading to urinary retention. For example, men may develop prostatitis (a prostate infection), which can cause swelling that interferes with urine flow. Chronic urinary tract infections can also lead to swelling, while bladder, kidney, or urethral stones can physically block the passage of urine. Constipation may also be a trigger, as hard stools in the rectum can press against the bladder or urethra, making it harder to urinate. In rare cases, tumors or cancerous growths in the urinary tract can obstruct the flow of urine.
### Symptoms to Watch For
Acute urinary retention is usually hard to miss since it comes with pain, discomfort, and the inability to urinate. Chronic urinary retention, however, can sometimes fly under the radar, with no obvious symptoms. That’s why it’s key to go to regular check-ups with your doctor, who can assess your health with tests like bloodwork and a urinalysis.
### How Is It Treated?
Treatment depends on what’s causing the problem. Your doctor may perform a physical exam, urine analysis, imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, or even use a catheter to drain your bladder. If medications are causing the issue, your doctor might adjust your prescription.
For men with BPH, treatment options include medications to reduce the prostate size or surgical procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to remove part of it. Women with pelvic prolapse may start with physical therapy or pelvic floor exercises, like Kegels, before considering surgery.
### When to See a Doctor
If you experience acute urinary retention, seek medical care immediately so the problem can be treated without delay. Whether it’s a one-time issue or a chronic condition, don’t let urinary retention interfere with your life.