Urinary Retention

Urinary Retention: Diagnosis and Restoration of Function

Urinary retention occurs when you are unable to empty your bladder, even though you feel the urge to urinate. This condition is far more than an inconvenience; chronic retention can lead to significant discomfort, recurrent infections, bladder damage, and even kidney problems. Prompt and precise diagnosis is essential to prevent these severe complications.

At Tooele Urology, our team provides comprehensive evaluation and management for both acute (sudden, complete inability to urinate) and chronic (gradual, incomplete emptying) urinary retention in both men and women. Our goal is to relieve discomfort quickly, identify the precise blockage or functional deficit, and restore the bladder’s healthy ability to empty.

Understanding the Causes

Urinary retention typically stems from one of two primary issues, often differing by gender:

Obstruction (Blockage): Something physically prevents the urine from flowing out.
- In Men, the most common cause is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, which compresses the urethra. Other causes include strictures (narrowing) of the urethra.
- In Women, Causes may include severe pelvic organ prolapse (where the bladder or uterus presses against the urethra) or severe urethral strictures.
Weak Bladder Muscle or Nerve Dysfunction: The bladder muscle (detrusor) doesn’t squeeze with enough force, or the nerves sending signals between the brain and bladder are damaged or misfiring. Conditions like diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or complications from pelvic surgery can cause this.

Our Focused Diagnostic and Treatment Strategy

Accurate diagnosis determines the most effective solution. Our services utilize advanced testing to pinpoint the exact cause of your retention.

Post-Void Residual (PVR) Measurement: This simple ultrasound test measures the amount of urine remaining in your bladder immediately after you attempt to urinate. A high PVR confirms incomplete emptying.
Urodynamic Studies: This essential functional testing service, available at our center, measures bladder pressure, urine flow rate, and the strength of the detrusor muscle contraction. This is crucial for determining if the problem is a blockage or weak muscle function.
Cystoscopy: We use this visual tool to look inside the urethra and bladder for strictures, stones, tumors, or signs of prostate enlargement.

Targeted Treatment Solutions

Primary Cause	Men’s Treatment Solutions	Women’s Treatment Solutions
Obstruction (BPH/Strictures)	Medical Therapy (to relax the prostate muscle or shrink the gland), Minimally Invasive Procedures (to remove prostate tissue or open the stricture).	Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (for prolapse support), Pessary placement (to lift prolapsed organs), or Robotic Vaginal Repair for structural correction.
Weak Muscle/Nerve Issue	Sacral Nerve Stimulation (InterStim) (to normalize nerve signals), Timed Voiding and Bladder Retraining programs.	Sacral Nerve Stimulation (InterStim), Intermittent Self-Catheterization training, and Bladder Retraining.

Taking the Next Step with Tooele Urology

Never wait to address incomplete bladder emptying. Early intervention is the best defense against severe complications. Our team is dedicated to restoring your urinary function with expertise and compassionate care.

Please schedule a consultation today to receive a thorough evaluation and begin the process of restoring complete bladder function with one of our experienced providers. At Tooele Urology, your health and comfort are our absolute priorities. Reach out to us now—let’s collaborate on your journey to relief and recovery!

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