WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is chronic urinary retention? Chronic urinary retention (CUR) is a long-term condition that develops when your bladder does not empty completely when you urinate. What causes CUR? - Weak bladder muscle
- Blockages, such as a stone or growth
- Nerve damage from diabetes, stroke, or spinal cord injuries
- Certain medicines, such as narcotics, antihistamines, or antidepressants
What are the signs and symptoms of CUR? - Frequent urination, or the urge to urinate after you just finished
- An urge to urinate, but your urine does not come out or dribbles out slowly and weakly
- Frequent urine leaks that happen during the day or while you sleep
- Discomfort or pain in your lower abdomen
How is CUR diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will ask about your health history and the medicines you take. He will press or tap on your lower abdomen. You may need any of the following tests: - A pelvic exam will be done to check for blockages. A pelvic exam will also show if your bladder, uterus, or other organs have moved out of place.
- A post void residual test will show how much urine is left in your bladder after you urinate. You will be asked to urinate and then healthcare providers will use a small ultrasound machine to check the remaining urine in your bladder.
- A neuro exam may be done to test your strength, balance, and movement. A neuro exam is used to find changes in your brain and nervous system.
- Blood tests may be needed to check for infection and kidney function.
- An ultrasound uses sound waves to show pictures on a monitor. An ultrasound may be done to show bladder stones, infection, or other problems.
- A CT scan, or CAT scan, is a type of x-ray that is taken of your abdomen. The pictures may show what is causing your CUR. You may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help healthcare providers see the pictures better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye.
How is CUR treated? - Urinary catheters: Ask your healthcare provider for more information about the type of catheter you need:
- A Foley catheter is a tube put into your bladder to drain urine into a bag. Keep the bag below your waist. This will prevent urine from flowing back into your bladder and causing an infection or other problems. Also, keep the tube free of kinks so the urine will drain properly. Do not pull on the catheter. This can cause pain and bleeding, and may cause the catheter to come out.
- A suprapubic catheter is inserted into your bladder through an incision in your abdomen. It may be used when you have a long-term need for bladder drainage.
- A straight catheter may be inserted several times a day if you cannot urinate on your own. You put the catheter in your urethra and remove it once your bladder is empty.
- Surgery may be needed to treat the condition that is causing your CUR.
- Sacral neuromodulation is a long-term treatment that may be needed if other treatments do not work. A device that works with your bladder's nerves is used to help you urinate.
When should I seek immediate care? - You have severe abdominal pain.
- You are breathing faster than usual.
- Your heartbeat is faster than usual.
- Your face, hands, feet, or ankles are swollen.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have a fever.
- You have pain when you urinate.
- You see blood in your urine.
- You have problems with your catheter.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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