Dr. Y. Mark Hong offers advanced urinary retention treatments at our Phoenix, AZ, office locations. Urinary retention is a complication of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) in men. Urinary retention can also affect women. It can be either an acute or chronic disorder that causes an inability to empty the bladder. The acute form of this condition happens suddenly and lasts a short amount of time. Patients with acute urinary retention cannot urinate at all. It is potentially life-threatening in some cases requires immediate emergency treatment to drain the bladder. The chronic form is long-lasting. Patients with chronic urinary retention issues can urinate, but cannot completely empty their bladder. They also may not know they have the condition until other problems arise, such as urinary incontinence. It is important to undergo an exam with Dr. Hong as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Causes of Urinary Retention
Urinary retention problems usually affect men in their 50s, 60s and beyond due to prostate enlargement, though anyone can develop the condition. Women who have experienced bladder sagging, also known as cystocele, may develop urinary retention problems.
Causes of ischuria include:
- Obstruction of the urethra, such as enlarged prostate, bladder stones or urethral scar
- Nerve problems that interfere with the connection between the brain and bladder
- Infections that cause irritation or swelling
- Enlarged prostate
- Side effects of some medications
- Constipation
- Weakened bladder muscles