Urinary Retention
Urinary retention may be very annoying, as anybody who has ever felt the need to pee yet been unable to do so will attest. Numerous factors, including diabetes, an enlarged prostate, and even something as simple as holding your pee for too long, might contribute to this illness.
Urinary retention is often not a major issue and may be managed with over-the-counter drugs or at-home treatments. It may, however, occasionally result in more severe health issues.
Causes of Urinary Retention
Urinary retention can be brought on by a variety of factors. An enlarged prostate is the main reason. The prostate is a little gland that aids in the production of semen and is located directly below the bladder.
As men become older, the prostate keeps expanding and may eventually start to obstruct the urethra, the tube through which pee travels, making it challenging to urinate. Among the other reasons for urine retention are:
- Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
- Diabetes
- Anxiety or stress
- A side effect of certain medications
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones
Treatment for Urinary Retention
Urinary retention is often not a major issue and may be managed at home or with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Several straightforward home cures are:
- Going to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to urinate
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing
- Avoiding beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol
- Doing pelvic floor exercises such as Kegels (these exercises help strengthen the muscles around the urethra)
If DIY solutions don’t work, your doctor could suggest over-the-counter drugs like alpha blockers. These medications aid in urethral muscle relaxation and facilitate urination. In certain instances, if a urinary tract infection is the root of your retention, your doctor could also advise antibiotics.
It’s crucial to consult a doctor if you have any urination problems, even if urine retention is just a small irritation. Usually, this ailment may be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and home treatments, but in rare instances, it may cause future major health issues. So, if you’re experiencing trouble going to the toilet, schedule an appointment with a doctor right away.
