When your bladder doesn’t empty completely, it is known as urinary retention. Urinary retention is a condition in which a person feels a frequent need to urinate, but isn’t able to empty their bladder completely.
This can be caused by a number of things, including bladder outlet obstruction, neurological disorders, and bladder muscle dysfunction. Treatment of urinary retention depends on its cause, but may include medications such as Alpha-adrenergic agonists, antimuscarinics, sympathomimetics, and solifenacin, as well as catheterization and surgery.
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What causes my bladder not to empty completely?
The most common causes include Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary tract infection, certain medications, and neurological damage. BPH causes enlargement of the prostate gland, which can reduce the flow and force of urine out of the bladder, resulting in a sensation of incomplete emptying.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause pelvic floor muscles to become tense or overactive, preventing the bladder from completely emptying when it contracts. A urinary tract infection can lead to inflammation in the bladder, which can cause difficulty completely emptying, as can some medications.
Neurological damage to the spinal cord, nerves, or both can also cause difficulty completely emptying the bladder, as doing so requires coordination of pelvic floor muscles and bladder muscles. The exact cause of difficulty completely emptying the bladder should be evaluated and diagnosed by a physician.
How do you fix an incomplete bladder emptying?
Incomplete bladder emptying can be caused by a range of factors from weakened pelvic floor muscles to chronic urinary retention. Thankfully, there are several steps that can be taken to try and fix or improve this condition.
Firstly, if the issue is caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles, then seeking out pelvic floor muscle strength training could be of great benefit. This can be done through exercises such as Kegel exercises, where one contracts and relaxes the muscles around the bladder whilst drawing energy up the spine.
In addition, lifestyle changes may also help to reduce any blockages or bladder weakness. These can include reducing caffeine intake and quitting smoking, as these can act as diuretics and increase urine production.
Consuming more water during the day can also be beneficial for helping to increase bladder control and capacity.
Other route treatments for chronic urinary retention may also be considered, such as using medications assist with relaxation of the bladder muscles and delaying bladder contractions. Surgery to widen the urethra or remove prostate glands may also be suggested.
Finally, it is worth consulting with a medical professional if any of the treatments above are suggested by a doctor. They will be able to help determine the cause of the incomplete bladder emptying, and recommend the most suitable course of treatment for the individual.
What causes incomplete emptying of the bladder?
Incomplete emptying of the bladder can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, both medical and non-medical. Common causes of incomplete emptying include weak bladder muscles, blockages in the bladder or urethral openings, nerve damage, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and kidney stones.
It can also be caused by certain medications, lifestyle factors, structural abnormalities, and age-related issues. Medications like anticholinergics, diuretics, antipsychotics, and calcium channel blockers can disrupt the body’s ability to properly void the bladder, as well as stress and fear of urinating.
In addition, there can be structural abnormalities of the urinary tract or vagina that can cause difficulty completely emptying the bladder. These include an enlarged prostate gland, narrowing or stricture of the urethra, inflammation of the urethral mucosa, prolapsed bladder, rectocele, cystocele, or relaxation of the bladder neck.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are also a common cause of incomplete bladder emptying as bacteria can block the opening of the urethra, leading to inflammation and saturation of the bladder. Similarly, kidney stones can move through the urinary tract and block the bladder’s exit route.
This blockage can cause pressure within the bladder, and when that pressure accumulates, the bladder might temporarily not empty properly.
Finally, age can also have an effect on bladder emptying because the muscles of the bladder can become weak with age, and the sensation of needing to urinate may become less acute. Some lifestyle factors, such as drinking alcohol, excessive caffeine consumption, constipation, and sedentary habits can also play a role in incomplete bladder emptying.
Is incomplete bladder emptying serious?
Yes, incomplete bladder emptying can be a serious medical condition. It can lead to a number of more serious medical complications, including urinary tract infections, kidney infections, and bladder stones.
In some cases, it can also lead to kidney damage and even kidney failure. Additionally, if the condition is left untreated for a long period of time, problems such as incontinence and a weakened bladder can occur.
It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms of incomplete bladder emptying, such as an urgency to urinate more often than usual, difficulty fully emptying the bladder, or pain or discomfort while urinating.
What stimulates bladder emptying?
Bladder emptying is stimulated by the afferent nerves of the bladder wall, which detect the stretching sensation of a full bladder. This sensation is sent along the spine to the brain, where it is then interpreted by the central nervous system (CNS) to create the urge to empty the bladder.
Urine filling the bladder causes nerve endings in the bladder wall to stretch and activate the bladder’s detrusor muscle, which surrounds the inside of the organ and allows it to fill. Once the detrusor muscle contracts, the internal sphincter muscle relaxes.
This combination of detrusor contraction and sphincter relaxation allows urine to flow out of the bladder and down the urethra. In addition to the CNS’s role in controlling bladder emptying, the autonomic nervous system also helps with urination by connecting to the external sphincter, a ring of muscle that controls the exit of urine from the bladder.
Nerves in the autonomic nervous system send signals to the external sphincter muscle, causing it to contract and create a closed seal over the urethra. This allows us to voluntarily hold our urine until we are ready to expel it.
Why do I still feel like I have to pee after peeing?
Experiencing a feeling like you still have to pee after peeing is quite common, and is usually caused by irritation of the nerves in the bladder. This can be caused by an infection, bladder stones, an enlarged prostate, an enlarged uterus, or none of these things.
Dehydration can also be a contributor, as your body may signal a need to urinate even when the bladder is already empty.
Urine can also have an irritant that can cause an urgent need to urinate again. This could be due to a bacterial infection or urinary tract infection. Chemicals found in detergents, food additives, bath soaps, and body washes can also irritate the bladder and give the sensation of having to pee again.
If you experience a frequent feeling of urgency after you’ve already gone to the bathroom, you should contact a doctor. They can help diagnose the underlying cause and recommend the best course of action for your particular situation.
What is the most common cause of urinary retention?
The most common cause of urinary retention is an obstruction of the urinary tract, such as a kidney stone or enlarged prostate in men. Other possible causes include nerve damage, injury to the pelvic area, medications such as certain anticholinergics, infections, and certain neurological diseases.
Some factors that may increase a person’s risk of urinary retention include being male (enlarged prostate is more common in males), being older, certain medications, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
In some instances, no obvious cause of the urinary retention can be found.
What medication is taken to help with bladder emptying?
The type of medication that is taken to help with bladder emptying varies depending on the individual and the underlying cause of the bladder emptying issues. Some of the commonly used medications for this purpose include anticholinergics such as oxybutynin, tolterodine, and solifenacin.
These medications work by blocking the action of a particular neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) that plays a key role in bladder control. In addition, alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin, alfuzosin, and doxazosin may be used to help relax bladder muscles and improve urine flow.
Lastly, some people may be prescribed medication such as Desmopressin (DDAVP) which helps increase the amount of urine produced, enabling better bladder emptying. Ultimately, it is important to consult with a medical professional to determine the best course of treatment.
What does urinary retention indicate?
Urinary retention is a medical condition in which a person is unable to completely empty the bladder when urinating. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including neurogenic bladder, structural abnormalities of the bladder, drugs, and some neurological conditions.
In some cases, urinary retention may occur as a result of a blockage or narrowing in the urinary tract, such as an enlarged prostate or kidney stones.
When urinary retention occurs, it can cause symptoms such as an inability to completely pass urine, straining when trying to pass urine, an urgent feeling of needing to urinate (urgency), an increased frequency of urination (frequency), increased nighttime urination (nocturia), difficulty starting the urine flow, dribbling of urine, painful urination (dysuria), abdominal fullness or pain, and a feeling of incomplete emptying after urination.
At its core, urinary retention is an indication of an underlying medical issue. Depending on the cause, it can be managed through lifestyle changes, medications, or more advanced medical and surgical interventions.
Ultimately, urinary retention is a serious condition and should be evaluated by a medical provider. Prompt medical attention can help prevent potentially more serious medical complications.
Does urinary retention ever go away?
Yes, urinary retention can go away in some cases. And some are temporary and can be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, or other treatments.
The most common cause of temporary urinary retention is an obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate. This can be treated with medications or procedures such as a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
This procedure removes part of the prostate and may relieve the obstruction.
Other causes of temporary urinary retention include medications, an infection, or nerve inflammation caused by diabetes or an injury. These causes can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain types of medication or eating a healthy diet, antibiotics for infections, or medications to manage diabetes or reduce nerve inflammation.
In some cases, urinary retention can be due to a structural problem such as an anatomical blockage, a narrowing of the urethra caused by an enlarged prostate, nerve damage, or a bladder stone. These conditions may require surgery or other treatments to correct.
In summary, urinary retention can sometimes go away with lifestyle changes, medications, or treatments. However, in cases of structural problems, surgery may be necessary to correct the issue and relieve urinary retention.
Does drinking water help urinary retention?
Yes, drinking water does help with urinary retention. When you drink enough water throughout the day, it helps to keep your bladder and kidneys healthy and functioning properly. This increases the chances that when you go to the bathroom, your urine will pass freely and not cause any issues with urinary retention.
If you are having issues with urinary retention, increasing your daily water intake is a simple and effective way to help reduce the chances of it happening. It is especially important to drink plenty of fluids in the morning, to make sure your bladder is operating at its optimal level throughout the day.
Additionally, it is important to limit your caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverage intake, as these can all contribute to the risk of urinary retention. It is also important to exercise regularly, as physical activity can help keep the muscles in the bladder and pelvic area strong and healthy.
What can happen if urine is not properly emptied into the bladder?
If urine is not properly emptied into the bladder, it can eventually lead to a range of medical issues. Untreated, this can cause a buildup of toxins in the body, leading to health complications such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and, in some cases, kidney failure.
In people with conditions such as bladder anxieties or neurological problems, difficulty emptying the bladder completely can also lead to issues such as incontinence. In addition, if urine is not completely emptied it can leave residual amounts in the bladder, creating an environment that can favor the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, leading to a higher risk of infection.
Furthermore, the remaining urine in the bladder can cause irritation and burning sensations, leading to an increased risk of bladder cancer in those with recurrent infections. Finally, not completely emptying the bladder can also lead to difficulty determining if there are other medical issues present, as the residual urine can mask any underlying problems present in the bladder.
Is urinary retention life threatening?
No, urinary retention is not typically life threatening in most cases. It is possible for urinary retention to become life threatening if the urinary retention is persistent and results in a urinary tract infection (UTI).
UTIs can become serious and even lead to sepsis if untreated, which is a potentially fatal body-wide infection. Additionally, an untreated UTI can lead to renal failure, which can be life-threatening as well.
Therefore, urinary retention can be potentially life-threatening if it is not promptly diagnosed and treated. It is important to get regular medical check-ups, especially if you have any symptoms of urinary retention, so that any issues can be promptly recognized and treated.
Is there medication to help empty bladder?
Yes, there is medication available to help empty the bladder. Medications like those used to treat urinary incontinence and an overactive bladder may be used to help treat an underactive bladder. Drugs known as anticholinergics can be used to relax the bladder to make it easier to pass urine, while drugs called beta-3 agonists can be used to directly stimulate the bladder to empty itself.
Additionally, medications like alpha-blockers can be used to relax the bladder neck, making it easier for the bladder to empty. Some of the most commonly prescribed drugs used to help empty the bladder include Detrol, Vesicare, Sanctura, Ditropan XL, and Enablex.
It’s important to note that medications like these only work temporarily, and it’s important to address the underlying cause if possible to help resolve the issue.
