Just as urinary incontinence, or loss of bladder control, is more common in females, urinary retention, or the inability to completely empty the bladder, is more prevalent among men. The latter is due to the possibility of an enlarged prostate, which obstructs and blocks urine flow.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Mrinal Pahwa, Associate Director - Urology, Uro-Oncology and Kidney Transplant, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, discusses some of the common causes of urinary retention in men and what they can do about them.
Also Read: 5 Helpful Home Remedies To Treat Urinary Retention
Urinary Retention In Men: Possible Causes
According to StatsPearl Publishing, acute urinary retention is most common in men aged 60-80 and most commonly occurs secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
Dr Pahwa says, "BPH is particularly common, as it leads to prostate enlargement, which can obstruct the urethra and make it difficult to urinate." BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly affects older men. As the prostate grows, it can compress the urethra, making it difficult for urine to pass. This can lead to weak urine flow, frequent urges to urinate, incomplete bladder emptying, and, in severe cases, complete urinary retention.
Other common causes include:
Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate gland multiply uncontrollably, forming tumours. As the cancer progresses, the enlarged prostate can obstruct the urethra, leading to difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, and retention. In advanced cases, the tumour may invade nearby tissues, further worsening urinary issues.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): A UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract, causing inflammation and swelling in the bladder or urethra. This can lead to pain, a burning sensation during urination, and, in some cases, urinary retention due to swelling that blocks the normal flow of urine.
Bladder Stones: Bladder stones are hard mineral deposits that form when urine becomes concentrated, leading to crystallisation. These stones can block the bladder outlet or urethra, preventing proper urine flow.
Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and stroke can affect the nerves that control bladder function. This may result in difficulty initiating urination, weak bladder contractions, or an inability to empty the bladder fully, leading to urinary retention.
Urethral Stricture: A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra caused by scar tissue, often due to infections, trauma, or previous surgeries. The restricted passage can make it difficult to pass urine.
Also Read: UTI In Men: Symptoms, Causes And How To Deal With It
When Should Men Seek Help?
“Men should seek medical help for acute urinary retention, where there is a sudden inability to urinate, or if they experience painful urination, bloody urine, frequent or weak urination, or incomplete bladder emptying,” advises Dr Pahwa.
Medical tests like physical exams, urinalysis, ultrasound, uroflowmetry, and cystoscopy can help diagnose the underlying cause.
Treatment Options For Urinary Retention In Men
According to Dr Pahwa, treatment usually depends on the cause but may include medications like alpha-blockers to relax the prostate or surgical options like Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) to remove prostate tissue causing the obstruction.
In some cases, catheterisation may be necessary to relieve bladder pressure.
“Minimally invasive therapies like laser treatment can also help reduce prostate size and ease symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications,” the doctor concludes.