What Causes Urinary Retention and How to Fix It
The human body is remarkable, and still, scientists don’t know everything about it. However, when your body starts to act differently, such as having difficulty emptying your bladder, this is a sign that something needs to be addressed. While urinary retention is common, it’s important to seek medical help for the condition.
At Pillar Physio – Georgetown, Texas, we help women of all ages and backgrounds with pelvic floor issues, such as those caused by urinary retention. Discover what makes Pillar Physio different and how our clients experience success. We pride ourselves on being attentive to our patients, providing lasting relief so that they can live life without pain and discomfort.
Related: What is a Pelvic Floor Therapist and Do You Need One?
What Is Urinary Retention
Simply put, urinary retention occurs when you cannot completely empty your bladder, regardless of how much you try. This can be an acute case or a chronic case. Whichever form of retention you may be experiencing, it’s important to have an assessment to determine the cause and learn how to fix it.
Acute Urinary Retention
Acute urinary retention refers to a sudden difficulty urinating. This can potentially be a medical emergency that may require the use of a catheter to drain the bladder. Symptoms can include:
Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
Inability to urinate despite having a full bladder
Feeling of having to urinate, but you can’t
Possible lower back pain
Chronic Urinary Retention
Chronic urinary retention refers to difficulty emptying the bladder completely. Symptoms can include:
Weak urine stream
Feeling an incomplete urination experience
Frequent urination
Related: 5 Pelvic Floor Misconceptions: Do You Believe the Myths?
What Causes Urinary Retention
There are many reasons why urinary retention can happen in women. Below is a list of some common reasons why you might be experiencing this challenge. This list is not comprehensive, therefore, it’s important to address any retention issues with your provider.
Postpartum Urinary Retention
Childbirth can affect your body in many ways. Postpartum urinary retention can be included in that long list. There are specific ways postpartum retention can occur, such as a hospital-related catheter incident, anisthesia effects, c-section birth complications, and vaginal trauma during delivery.
Urinary Retention with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse refers to the pelvic organs protruding into the pelvic floor. This occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are weakened, failing to support the organs. Retention can occur if pelvic organ prolapse is present.
Urinary Retention Caused by Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the pelvic floor muscles aren’t working correctly. This could lead to various issues, such as urinary retention. When the muscles aren’t doing their jobs, it can become difficult to empty the bladder.
Related: What are Pelvic Floor Disorders and How to Treat Them
Urinary Retention with UTI
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are most commonly associated with urinary retention. During a UTI, bacteria get into the urinary tract. The bacteria can cause the urethra to swell, making it difficult to urinate or completely empty the bladder.
5 Options to Fix Urinary Retention
If you are experiencing retention, use these five options to help yourself find relief. Keep in mind that some cases call for immediate medical attention, however, the following options can help for non-emergency situations.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Seeing a pelvic floor therapist is one of the top ways to address and fix urinary retention. Working with your therapist, you can learn the root cause of the retention and take action to solve the problem. A pelvic floor therapist will perform an assessment to give you a better understanding of your pelvic floor and any issues that may be causing the retention.
Contact Pillar Physio to schedule your assessment. When you partner with Pillar Phyiso, you will experience a hands-on, whole-body approach that addresses your pelvis in context with the rest of your body. You are more than just your pelvis. Our knowledgeable and experienced therapists will create a treatment plan just for you so that you can experience lasting relief.
Adjust Current Medications
In some situations, medications can be the reason why you are experiencing urinary retention. Talk with your provider about the side effects of the medications and your experience with retention. Adjusting your medication could provide relief.
Surgery
There are instances where surgery is recommended to fix retention issues. However, your provider will offer you the best recommendation based on your unique experience. Surgery can help remove any blockages or fix any abnormalities that may be contributing to the issue.
Catheter
For immediate relief, a catheter can be used to drain the bladder quickly. This generally takes place in a hospital setting. Once you have been catheterized, your provider can work with you to understand what caused the retention and work with you to discover how to remedy it.
A catheter is a temporary solution. Finding the root cause is crucial for your health.
Antibiotics
Depending on the cause of your retention, antibiotics can be used to resolve the issue. If you have a UTI with retention, the antibiotics can work to fight against the infection and potentially relieve retention. Continue to communicate with your provider if the antibiotics are working and if you are experiencing worsening symptoms or your retention doesn’t resolve.
Urinary Retention Shouldn’t Be Ignored
When it comes to addressing retention, sometimes you have to work on ruling out several potential causes before you can find the right remedy for you. Urinary retention is a sign that something isn’t quite right in your body. Therefore, you need to take action to find relief and fix the issue for a better health outcome. It’s important not to ignore what you are experiencing and communicate with your provider right away.
Partnering with a pelvic floor therapist is one of the top ways you can get your health back on track. Many who experience retention begin habits such as pushing to pee, hovering over the toilet, or rushing to urinate without allowing the body to fully release. These situations can lead to worsening symptoms and can also create additional pelvic floor issues.
Urinary retention doesn’t have to control your life. Reach out to Pillar Physio today to start your journey towards healing. Your family and your community need you.
