Definition
Failure to empty the bladder properly. Acute retention is sudden and often painful.
Symptoms
Inability to urinate and lower abdominal pain; chronic retention may cause small voids or overflow leakage.
How it may be discovered
Possible causes include prostate or urethral obstruction, neurological disease, medication or surgery.
When to seek care
Painful inability to urinate needs immediate care, not a routine appointment.
Investigations and tests
Examination, bladder-volume assessment, urine tests and renal function as appropriate.
Reaching a diagnosis
Assessment confirms retention and its cause; non-essential tests must not delay necessary drainage.
Treatment options
Appropriate drainage, treatment of the cause and a planned catheter-removal or bladder-emptying strategy.
Explore this topic further
Continue with related explanations of how the body works and treatment options.