Difficulty urinating can be experienced by anyone, both women and men at various ages. Usually someone has difficulty urinating is no longer unbearable but takes a long time to release urine. This condition is called urine retention in the medical world.
What is urine retention?
Urine retention is a medical condition where a person is unable to empty the bladder completely. It can occur suddenly (acute urine retention) or develop slowly over time (chronic urine retention). Urine retention can cause discomfort, pain, and serious complications if not treated properly.
Causes of Difficulty Urinating
Many factors cause a person to have difficulty urinating and it is different for each person. The following are the causes of urine retention or difficulty urinating.
1. Prostate Swelling
In men, an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common cause of urine retention. An enlarged prostate can press on the urethra, blocking the flow of urine and causing difficulty urinating.
2. Infections
Urinary tract infections or infections in other parts of the urinary tract, such as the prostate or bladder, can cause inflammation and swelling, which impedes urine flow.
3. Urinary Tract Stones
Stones that form in the kidneys or urinary tract can block the flow of urine, causing pain and difficulty urinating. These stones can move into the urethra and cause partial or total blockage.
4. Surgery
Surgical procedures on the pelvis, spine or bladder can cause urine retention as a side effect. Anesthesia and painkillers can also affect bladder muscle function.
5. Nerve Disorders
Damage or interference with the nerves that control bladder function can cause urine retention. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, stroke, or spinal cord injury can affect these nerves.
6. Psychological Issues
Stress, anxiety and other psychological disorders can affect one's ability to urinate. Psychological discomfort can cause the muscles around the urethra to tense up and impede urine flow.
7. Side Effects of Medications
Some medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and drugs used to treat high blood pressure, may cause urine retention as a side effect.
Symptoms of Urinary Retention
Symptoms of urine retention may vary depending on the underlying cause, but commonly include:
- Difficulty initiating urine flow
- Weak or intermittent urine flow
- Incomplete feeling after urination
- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
- Abdomen that feels full or swollen
- Incontinence (urine leakage) due to an overfilled bladder
- Frequent urination in small amounts
Types of Urinary Retention
Acute Urinary Retention
Acute urine retention is the sudden and total inability to urinate. It is a medical emergency condition that requires immediate attention. A very full bladder that cannot be emptied can cause severe pain and requires immediate medical intervention to empty the bladder.
Chronic Urinary Retention
Chronic urine retention is the long-term inability to empty the bladder completely. This condition develops slowly and may not cause any obvious symptoms at first.
However, over time, it can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections and bladder damage.
How to deal with difficulty urinating
The treatment of urine retention depends on the underlying cause. Here are some methods that can be used:
- Catheterization: Insertion of a catheter to empty the bladder. This is an emergency measure that is often done to treat acute urine retention.
- Medications: Medications may be given to reduce prostate swelling, treat infections, or improve nerve function. Examples include alpha-blockers for BPH or antibiotics for infection.
- Surgical Procedures: In severe cases, surgery may be required to resolve the blockage or repair the structure causing urine retention, such as transurethral prostate resection (TURP) for BPH.
- Physical Therapy and Exercises: Kegel exercises and physical therapy can help strengthen the pelvic muscles and improve bladder control.
- Management of Underlying Conditions: Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes or neurological disorders with medication and lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms of urine retention.
- Lifestyle Changes: Reducing fluid intake before bedtime, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and practicing relaxation techniques to reduce stress can help manage symptoms.
Retensi urine adalah kondisi yang bisa sangat mengganggu dan memerlukan perhatian medis. Jika mengalami gejala retensi urine, penting untuk segera berkonsultasi dengan dokter untuk evaluasi dan penanganan yang tepat. (Aq/PRT)
