What does bladder retention mean?

Bladder urinary retention refers to the bladder full of urine and can not be discharged normally.

Many factors can lead to bladder urinary retention. For example, prostate hyperplasia can block the urethra, so that urine discharge is blocked; nervous system diseases such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis may affect nerve conduction, leading to bladder dysfunction and urinary retention; in addition, some drug side effects, psychological factors may also induce urinary retention. Patients mainly manifested as lower abdominal distension, pain, strong urinary desire but unable to urinate. Prolonged urinary retention may also lead to complications such as urinary tract infection and hydronephrosis, further impairing kidney function. Diagnosis should be confirmed by detailed medical history, physical examination, ultrasound examination, etc. Physical examination can touch the swollen bladder, ultrasound can accurately measure the urine volume in the bladder. Different treatment methods can be taken depending on the cause. If it is caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, medical treatment or surgery may be required; Neurological disorders require treatment for neurological problems and intermittent catheterization to relieve urinary retention. Acute urinary retention often requires timely catheterization to relieve pain.