Oct 12, 2026
Maybe it’s new, or maybe you’ve been noticing it for a while: bathroom breaks that take longer than they used to, or leaks that come after you've been to the bathroom.
It's normal to want to know what causes urinary retention. It's a common medical condition, and it's manageable with your doctor's help.1
Let's explore how you can recognize your own or your loved ones' symptoms, and everyday practical tips to help while you see your doctor.
What Is Urinary Retention?
Urinary retention happens when your bladder isn't emptying completely.1 It could happen suddenly (acute) or build up over time (chronic).1
It can show up in both men and women, but it's more common among men.
You don’t have to be embarrassed about it; a trip to the doctor's office is the best start toward management.
How Urinary Retention Could Cause Overflow Incontinence
If you notice leaking from retention, it's not unusual.2 Urinary retention could come with overflow incontinence.2 It happens because the bladder does not empty completely. So, it overfills and leaks out.2
Overflow incontinence could happen for several reasons though, not just retention.2 If you notice leaks, talk to your doctor. They can confirm what's going on and guide your next steps.
The Common Causes of Urinary Retention
You might be experiencing urinary retention for several reasons. While we look at some, only your doctor can tell you exactly what's behind your symptoms.
Blockages and Obstruction
When something blocks the flow of pee from your bladder, you might notice retention.1 It might happen because of prostate or pelvic organ changes.1
If you think an obstruction might be the culprit, ask your doctor. They could confirm the type of obstruction and the next steps.
Nerve and Muscle Issues
Some life events like childbirth, or nerve-related health conditions like Parkinson's disease, might affect how your brain communicates with your bladder through nerve signals.1 When these signals get interrupted, you might notice trouble peeing.1
Medications That Affect Bladder Emptying
Certain medications could cause side effects that affect how well your bladder empties.1 If you notice changes in your bladder habits, talk to your doctor about your medications.1
Also, don't stop your medication without a proper consultation with your doctor.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Both Retention and Leakage
If you're experiencing chronic urinary retention, you might notice changes in your daily peeing habits like:1
- A weak pee stream
- Peeing more than eight times a day
- Feeling like you still have to go even after you just peed
- Waking up multiple times at night to pee
- Unexpected leaks during the day
- Difficulty holding it in when the urge hits
If you notice these signs, it's not a straight diagnosis. Talking to your doctor about your bladder issues is the best way to get clarity.
Bladder Training and Voiding Schedules to Help Prevent Leakage
A few everyday habits could help with bladder control alongside your doctor's guidance.
Start with a bladder diary; it serves as your guide, where you note every leak or urge to help you retrain your bladder with a bladder training schedule.3
From there, you could create a voiding schedule for incontinence based on how often you feel the urge.3 Give yourself 15 extra minutes between your regular visit time and gradually stretch it further as you get comfortable.3
It may also help to pair this with pelvic floor exercises like Kegels. It helps strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to reduce leaks.3
Supporting a Partner or Family Member Through Bladder Changes
Having a loved one experiencing urinary retention and bladder leaks could feel like a lot. You might even wonder where to start. A great place to start is with those small things that might look insignificant.
- Help them track their symptoms
- Offer to join them for their doctor's appointments
- Be patient during changes or unexpected accidents
- Avoid using degrading words
- Handle accidents like a normal occurrence; avoid drawing attention to it
When to Talk to a Doctor
If you or a loved one suddenly can't pee, along with extreme pain or discomfort, go to the emergency room immediately.1 This could be acute urinary retention, and it's a medical emergency.1
Also, talk to your doctor if you're unsure about your symptoms, new ones pop up, or they worsen.
Managing Leakage with TENA While You Get Answers
While you work with your doctor to find the cause, you don't have to put daily life on hold.
TENA products can offer comfort and discretion in the meantime. They're not a treatment, but they can help you feel more secure while you get answers.
If you're managing dribbling or leaks, TENA's guards and shields are designed to fit discreetly under everyday clothing.
For lighter symptoms and more sensitive skin, TENA Sensitive Care offers a range for women built for comfort throughout the day while giving your skin the care it needs.
And if you're supporting a loved one through this, TENA's caregiver products can make staying dry simpler for both of you.
Don’t Put Your Life on Hold
Urinary retention could show up in different ways; a weak stream, unexpected leaks, or both.1 The causes vary, but your next step doesn't have to be complicated: talk to your doctor.1
They could pinpoint what's going on and walk you through what comes next.
In the meantime, small habits like bladder training could help, and so could leaning on someone you trust.3
You don't have to figure this out on your own, and you definitely don't have to put your life on pause while you wait for answers. TENA is always here to help you stay dry and comfortable.
FAQs
Can Urinary Retention Really Cause Incontinence?
Yes, urinary retention could cause incomplete emptying leakage, AKA overflow incontinence.2 It happens when your bladder cannot empty fully, and urine backs up.2
If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor to confirm what’s going on and guide you on the next steps.
What Is the Difference Between Urinary Retention and Incontinence?
Urinary retention is when you have trouble fully emptying your bladder, while incontinence is accidental leaks that happen.1,2
They might feel similar, but they're different bladder issues that can sometimes occur together.1,2
If you're unsure, your doctor could help you confirm which one you have.
What Does Overflow Incontinence Feel Like?
It might feel like you’re having frequent dribbles or leaks, even when you don’t have a strong urge to go.2
It could also come with a weak stream, or a feeling that your bladder isn't completely empty even shortly after peeing.2
Can Bladder Training Help with Urinary Retention?
Bladder training and scheduled bathroom visits may help with bladder habits over time.3 It works best alongside your doctor's guidance on your underlying cause.
Also, when it comes to bladder training, consistency and patience tend to matter more than quick fixes.3
Is Urinary Retention More Common in Men or Women?
Urinary retention could affect anyone, though certain causes are more common in men as they get older.1
When women do experience it, it might show up because of childbirth or pelvic floor changes.1
If you're unsure what's behind your retention, your doctor could help.
Can Urinary Retention Go Away on Its Own?
The short answer? Not usually.
If you notice urinary retention symptoms after a procedure, starting a new medication, or you think you have chronic retention, see your doctor. We do not recommend waiting it out if symptoms continue.
If symptoms are sudden, you need to visit an emergency room immediately.
hat Products Can Help Manage Leaking While I Figure Out the Cause?
Absorbent underwear and pads, like those in the TENA range, can offer comfort and discretion while you work with your doctor.
They're not a treatment for urinary retention, just something to help you feel more secure in the meantime. The right absorbency level can make daily life a little easier.
How Can I Support a Partner Who Has Both Retention and Incontinence?
You could help by encouraging them to see a doctor and offering to go with them to appointments if they would like company.
Staying patient and avoiding any language that makes them feel embarrassed goes a long way.
There are small things you can do to help support them, like helping keep track of symptoms, which might also ease the load.
References
1. Moyer NL. What causes urinary retention and how is it treated? [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2021 Mar [cited 2026 Aug 9]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/urinary-retention
2. Ross-Hazel L, Cherney K. Overflow incontinence: What is it and how is it treated? [Internet]. Healthline. 2023 April [cited 2026 Aug 9]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/overactive-bladder/overflow-incontinence
3. Watson S. Bladder training techniques [Internet]. WebMD. 2025 July [cited 2026 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/bladder-training-techniques
