View or Print All Sections Urinary retention is a condition in which you cannot empty all the urine from your bladder. Urinary retention can be acute—a sudden inability to urinate, or chronic—a gradual inability to completely empty the bladder of urine.
The symptoms of urinary retention can range from severe abdominal pain and the inability to urinate, to few or no symptoms at all. Urinary retention results from either a blockage that partially or fully prevents the flow of urine, or your bladder not being able to maintain a strong enough force to expel all the urine.
Health care professionals use your medical history, a physical exam, and tests to help find the cause of urinary retention. Tests include postvoid residual urine measurement, lab tests, imaging tests, urodynamic tests, and cystoscopy.
Treatment for urinary retention depends on the type of urinary retention you have—either acute or chronic—and the cause of your urinary retention. Treatments for urinary retention may include draining the bladder, medicines, medical procedures or devices, surgery, and self-care treatments.
You can’t always prevent urinary retention, but by staying in tune with your body and bathroom habits, taking medicine as prescribed, strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, and making good dietary choices, you can help keep your bladder as healthy as possible.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.
Related NIDDK Conditions & Diseases
Last Reviewed December 2019
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases(NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
The NIDDK would like to thank
Steven A. Kaplan, M.D., Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
FAQs
Acute. You'll need treatment right away for acute urinary retention. A catheter will likely be inserted to help quickly drain the urine. Local anesthesia will be used to make sure you don't feel pain or discomfort from the catheter.
What is the fastest way to get rid of urinary retention? ›
Acute. You'll need treatment right away for acute urinary retention. A catheter will likely be inserted to help quickly drain the urine. Local anesthesia will be used to make sure you don't feel pain or discomfort from the catheter.
How much urine retention is acceptable? ›
Less than 100 mL PVR is considered normal.
How long does it take to recover from urinary retention? ›
Depending on the type of treatment, recovery can take anywhere between two days to several months.
Does drinking more water help urinary retention? ›
In turn, the kidneys will only be able to make highly concentrated urine that irritates the bladder. Therefore, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day is one of the essential pieces of any treatment plan for urinary retention.
What is the best home remedy for urinary retention? ›
Simple exercises such as walking or doing jumping jacks can help a person urinate. Before heading to the bathroom, a person may wish to do a few laps of the house or office to stimulate urination. Rubbing the lower stomach or inner thighs or pulling on pubic hair while on the toilet can help induce the need to pee.
What drinks are good for urinary retention? ›
Fluids that are good for the bladder
- Water is the best option for the bladder and for general health.
- Diluted cordial / squash drinks.
- Diluted fruit juice.
- Many fruit and herbal teas.
- Red bush tea (a type of tea that is naturally caffeine free)
Urinary retention occurs when you are not able to completely empty your bladder. It can be: acute — if your bladder feels full but you can't pass any urine. chronic — if you can pass urine, but your bladder is still partially full when you finish.
How can I empty my bladder without a catheter? ›
Techniques for Complete Bladder Emptying
- Timed voids. ...
- Double void. ...
- Drink plenty of fluids. ...
- Have a bowel movement every day. ...
- Comfort and privacy are necessary to empty completely. ...
- Leaning forward (and rocking) may promote urination.
Acute urinary retention symptoms
You may not be able to pee at all, or only be able to go very small amounts even though you have a full bladder. In severe cases, it can cause digestive discomfort and lower abdominal pain. See a healthcare provider right away if this happens to you.
Certain things increase your risk of acute urinary retention (AUR): Having a prostate, especially as you age. Having a history of bladder or pelvic floor muscle damage. Having certain health conditions that cause nerve damage (such as diabetes)
How do doctors fix urinary retention? ›
Treatments for urinary retention may include draining the bladder, medicines, medical procedures or devices, surgery, and self-care treatments.
What is the best position to empty your bladder? ›
If you're having trouble emptying your bladder, sit on the toilet, don't stand and don't 'hover' above the seat. Research of men with enlarged prostates . found sitting down allows muscles in the pelvis to relax and improve urine flow. Elevate your feet and lean slightly forward.
How do you treat an incomplete bladder emptying? ›
Urinary retention is generally treated with the following: bladder drainage. urethral dilation. urethral stents.
How to train your bladder to empty completely? ›
Tips for Emptying Your Bladder
- Try not to spend an excessive amount of time on the toilet. ...
- Stay hydrated by consuming an ample amount of water. ...
- Maintain regular bowel movements. ...
- Avoid hovering. ...
- Eat a healthy diet. ...
- Elevate your feet or lean forward when using the bathroom. ...
- Engage in pelvic floor muscle training.
Takeaway. After you drink water, it doesn't take long at all for your body to absorb it. Unlike foods, water can be “digested” in as little as 5 minutes. Excess water leaves your body through urination and feces but is also excreted by sweating.
How to stimulate the bladder to urinate? ›
Home Care
- Keep track of your urination patterns and bring the report to your health care provider.
- Apply heat to your lower abdomen (below your belly button and above the pubic bone). ...
- Massage or apply light pressure over your bladder to help the bladder empty.
- Take a warm bath or shower to help stimulate urination.
