Difficulties Emptying the Bladder
Urine retention, or difficulties emptying the bladder, can have many underlying causes. These are usually divided into two main groups:
- Flow obstruction
- Weak bladder
Flow Obstruction
A flow obstruction means that there is some form of 'resistance' in the urethra when urinating. Flow obstructions can be caused by damage to the urethra or a urethral stricture, meaning it has narrowed.
This problem can be caused by an enlarged prostate or difficulties relaxing the urethra's sphincter muscle, meaning that the bladder muscle subconciously contracts, even though urination is required.
Some neurological disorders can lead to deterioration in the co-operation between the bladder muscle and the urethra's sphincter muscle. Normally, the bladder muscle should contract and the sphincter relax when the bladder is being emptied, but sometimes both muscles contract at the same time, resulting in bladder emptying problems.
Weak Bladder
Urine retention can also be caused as the bladder muscle weakens, leading to insufficient strength to completely empty the bladder. This can be due to damage to the nerves that control the bladder muscle.
A long-term consequence of problems emptying the bladder is that the bladder muscle thickens. This leads to the bladder not having enough strength for the necessary contraction. A weakened bladder can be the result of problems passing urine after narcosis or after certain types of anaesthesia.
Symptoms of Retention
The most common symptoms of urine retention are poor urinary flow and the bladder retaining some urine after the process of urination is complete. There may also be urine leakage or frequent urgings.
If a problem with emptying the bladder comes suddenly and becomes acute, it can be painful.
If you have problems emptying your bladder, you should see your doctor. Urine can easily become infected and be pressed back up the ureters to the kidneys which can lead to kidney damage.