Urinary Retention: What It Means When You Can't Pee

A urology evaluation often starts with symptom history, medication review, and a check of how much urine is staying in the bladder. Selected testing may help identify whether there is blockage, irritation, infection, or another contributor.

• Symptom and medication review
• Urine testing when appropriate
• Bladder scan or post-void residual measurement
• Blood tests or imaging in selected cases
• Additional testing if the cause is still unclear

Care depends on the cause, how suddenly symptoms started, and whether the bladder is emptying at all. High-level care categories may include short-term bladder drainage, addressing a reversible trigger, and follow-up planning.

• Urgent bladder emptying when needed
• Review of medications and contributing conditions
• Evaluation for obstruction or prostate-related causes
• Monitoring and follow-up based on symptoms