Urology

Urological Conditions

Bladder

Bladder Function Disorder – Urinary Retention

The bladder, located in the pelvis, is a hollow, muscular, balloon shaped organ that stores urine. During urination, urine flows from the bladder into a tube called the urethra. One end of the urethra is connected to the bladder; the other end is open. Urine leaves the body by passing through this opening.

Normally, people can urinate when they want and need to. In cases of urinary retention (sometimes called bladder function disorder, bladder emptying problem, under-active bladder, or bladder outlet obstruction) the bladder doesn’t empty itself completely. Urine is abnormally held in the bladder.

This problem can be acute (happening suddenly), causing discomfort or pain, or chronic (long-standing). In either case, there are many possible causes, including:

Obstructions in the urinary system from causes such as:

Urinary tract stones [link to this condition]

Ureteral pelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction [link to this condition]

Congenital abnormalities [link to this condition]

Narrowing of the urethra because of:

Strictures (scarring) from injury or infection [link to this condition]

Congenital abnormalities [link to this condition]

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) or benign enlargement of the prostate gland [link to this condition

Neurogenic bladder (nerve or bladder muscle problems in the bladder)

Side effects from some medications, such as antispasmodics and antihistamines

Because treatment depends on the specific cause, click on each one above for complete information about it. Treatment is important, because retaining large amounts of urine can lead to kidney damage.