Feb 26, 2026
Urinary retention is when the bladder can’t empty fully or at all. This can cause discomfort, a constant urge to pee, and possible health problems, along with a frustrating feeling of a loss of control.
In this article, we explain what urinary retention is, why it happens, common symptoms, and the treatment options available to help you regain control and feel more confident and comfortable again.
What is Urinary Retention?
Before you get to the toilet, your urinary system goes through a process to help you pee.1 A key part of this is the bladder,1 which fills with urine and empties when your body signals it’s time to pee.
But your bladder doesn’t work alone; several other organs help make this process possible.1 Your kidneys filter waste to produce the urine, while the ureters carry it from your kidneys to the bladder, and the urethra allows it to leave your body.1
When there’s a problem with this process, the bladder is prevented from emptying fully or at all, causing urinary retention.2 It’s a medical condition that can be acute or chronic, depending on how it presents.1
Urinary retention can affect people of all ages, although it’s more common in men and older adults.1
What are the Typical Symptoms of Urinary Retention?
Many people with urinary retention notice common symptoms like:3
- Difficulty starting your stream
- Weak pee stream
- Frequent peeing
- Inability to empty your bladder fully
- Pain or discomfort in your lower belly
But symptoms differ depending on whether urinary retention is acute or chronic.1
Urinary Retention Causes and Associated Symptoms
Some causes of urinary retention could include obstructions, certain medications, nerve problems, and infections.4
But urinary retention can affect people in different ways, and the causes and symptoms differ based on whether it’s acute or chronic. Let’s take a closer look at each type, so you know what to watch for and when to seek medical help.
Acute urinary retention
Acute urinary retention usually comes with a sudden inability to urinate, often with extreme pain or discomfort in your lower belly, especially after long periods of not being able to pee.1
Some common triggers of acute urinary retention include:4
- Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), physically blocking the flow of urine
- Urinary tract infections
- Certain medications
- Surgeries
It’s natural to feel worried when you notice any of these symptoms. Getting medical attention quickly could help prevent complications.1
Chronic urinary retention
Chronic urinary retention often develops gradually4 unlike acute urinary retention. You can still pee, but your bladder may not empty completely.1
Bladder damage, bladder outlet obstructions, and diabetes are usually common causes,4,5 and over time, you may notice symptoms like:
- Frequent peeing1
- Trouble starting your stream1
- Urinary urgency1
- Waking up at night to pee (nocturia)1
- Overflow incontinence4
- Urge incontinence1
While it may not feel as urgent or painful as acute urinary retention, seeing your doctor early could help prevent complications like urinary tract infection or kidney damage.5
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Treatment of Urinary Retention
Now that we’ve discussed what urinary retention is, let’s move onto the treatment options. There are several treatments that can help you feel comfortable, confident, and in control, but it’s important to have a medical examination first, and be guided by your doctor.
He or she will give you advice about the best option based on several factors, like the type of urinary retention you have, the underlying cause, and the severity.1, 3 The approaches include:
Draining the bladder
Catheterization is usually the first step to relieve temporary urinary retention, and your doctor may leave a catheter in place for a longer period if needed.4 Catheters are thin tubes that gently go into your bladder to drain the remaining urine and ease the pressure or discomfort you feel.3
Medications
Your doctor may also prescribe certain medications to help relieve urinary retention. These drugs work by relaxing your bladder or bladder neck muscles or shrinking the prostate if it’s enlarged.4 Your doctor will explain how to take your medication safely.
Medical procedures
In some cases, you might need what is called a urethral dilation.1 This medical procedure widens the urethra using a small tool to make peeing feel easier. 1
Surgery
Surgery is usually a last resort, after your doctor has explored other treatment options.1 The type of procedure you need depends on the underlying cause.1
For example, if an enlarged prostate is causing the blockage, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the excess tissue.1,3 If the retention has another cause, your doctor will determine the correct procedure to give you relief.1
Treatment for Acute Urinary Retention
Treatment is urgent because acute urinary retention can become serious quickly.1 If you notice any symptoms, seek medical attention right away.1 At the hospital, your doctor will first drain your bladder with a catheter and then address the underlying cause.4
Treatment for Chronic Urinary Retention
Treatment here is about long-term management and consistency.1 Your doctor will guide you through the medication, catheterization, or surgery if you need it.5 If you’re using a catheter at home, change it regularly to avoid problems.1
You could also try these lifestyle strategies to help ease your symptoms:5
- Monitor your fluid intake.
- Limit alcohol, tea, and coffee.
- Plan bathroom visits when you’re away from home.
- Use the bathroom regularly.
- Practice bladder training consistently.
FAQs
What can Cause Urinary Retention?
The causes of urinary retention depend on the type, but the most common is prostate enlargement.4 Other common causes include:6
- Recent surgery in the genital, prostate, rectum, or pelvic area
- Diabetes or multiple sclerosis
- Injuries in the genital or pelvic area
- Urinary tract stones
- Nerve damage affecting bladder function
- Weakened bladder muscles
- Constipation
- Certain medications
- Infections
When to Worry about Urinary Retention
If your symptoms get worse or your bathroom habits change, it’s important to see your doctor promptly. Knowing the following warning signs will help you act in time:7
- Sudden inability to pee
- Extreme pain
- Fever
- Blood in your pee
- Discomfort in your lower belly
References
1. Moyer NL. What Causes Urinary Retention and How Is It Treated? [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2018. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/urinary-retention
2. Patrick J. Shenot. Urinary Retention - Genitourinary Disorders [Internet]. Merck Manuals Professional Edition. 2023. Available from: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/voiding-disorders/urinary-retention
3. Hashim L. Urinary Retention: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Epidemiology. Research & Reviews: Journal of Clinical and Medical Case Studies JCMCS| [Internet]. 2023;8:2023. Available from: https://www.rroij.com/open-access/urinary-retention-causes-symptoms-epidemiology-and-treatment.pdf
4. Dougherty JM, Aeddula NR. Male Urinary Retention [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538499/
5. Colin Tidy, MRCGP. Chronic urinary retention [Internet]. Patient.info. 2022. Available from: https://patient.info/doctor/renal-disorders/chronic-urinary-retention?utm_source=gpoptin
6. Urology Specialist | Dr Mohan Arianayagam [Internet]. Urology Specialist. 2025. Available from: https://urologyspecialist.com.au/urinary-retention-causes-symptoms-treatment/
7. Andy Stein. 10 Common Bladder Problems - When to Worry and When to See a Doctor - Health Service Navigator [Internet]. Health Service Navigator. Available from: https://www.myhsn.co.uk/top-tip/10-common-bladder-problems-when-to-worry-and-when-to-see-a-doctor/
