Urine Retention

Treatment for urinary retention

It’s important to treat urinary retention because it can lead to other problems or even cause long-term damage to the bladder muscles.

Bladder drainage

The bladder is drained by inserting a soft tube called a catheter into the urethra and bladder. Catheters can be intermittent, meaning the catheter is inserted and removed each time the bladder is drained; or indwelling, meaning the catheter is inserted and left in place for a period of time. Some people with chronic urine retention learn to insert their own catheter at home to drain their bladder.

Urethral stents

If retention is caused by something blocking the flow of urine from the bladder, a urethral stent might be placed. A stent is a small catheter or tube that is inserted into the bladder and left in place. This usually can be done as an outpatient procedure or during an office visit. The stent may be temporary or kept for a long time to help drain the bladder.

Medicines

If urinary retention is caused by an enlarged prostate, medicines might help relax or even shrink the prostate. If retention is caused by an infection, antibiotics might be used.

Bladder training

Bladder training creates a schedule of times to pee. You also learn to use mental relaxation techniques to help with urges to go in between scheduled times, and track your progress in a bladder diary. The scheduled in-between times are made longer as you progress.

Pelvic therapy and biofeedback

Pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises can help stretch tight pelvic muscles that support the bladder or other organs in the abdomen. Therapists or nurses trained in pelvic therapy can help you create a plan that is best for your situation.

Biofeedback uses sensors placed near the anus to show on a screen which pelvic muscles are being exercised. Biofeedback can help make pelvic therapy more effective.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery might be used to treat retention:

• To remove a tumor or part of the prostate
• To repair a pelvic prolapse
• To remove scar tissue
• To change the direction of urine flow

Tips for managing urinary retention

• Empty your bladder at least every 4 hours, even if you don't feel like you need to.
• Don’t try to hold it if you feel like you need to pee.
• Don’t push or bear down when trying to pee.
• Don’t use products that can irritate your bladder such as scented wipes, soaps, or sprays.
• Prevent constipation.
• Ask your cancer care team or doctor if any of your medicines could be causing retention or making it worse.

Talk to your doctor or cancer care team

If you:

• Suddenly can’t pee
• Have pain or burning when you pee or try to pee
• Feel like you still need to pee after you go
• Notice blood in your pee
• Have belly pain or vomiting
• Have a fever with no known cause
• Have other signs of infection such as sweating, chills, or a fast heartbeat

Ask your doctor or cancer care team what you should call right away for versus what can wait until office hours. Make sure you know who to contact when the office is closed.