What are complications of urine retention?

 

Complications of acute urinary retention can occur if it is not treated promptly. It can lead to bladder damage and kidney failure.

If the urinary retention was due to a drug or anesthesia, then you will be able to pass urine once the catheter is removed. However, depending on the cause more than ¾ of cases of acute urinary retention recur within a week. Thus, most physicians leave the catheter until investigations are completed. In men, the most common cause of acute urinary retention is BPH. Individuals who have BPH will need some type of procedure to relieve the obstruction and prevent acute retention of urine.  Surgery for BPH may cause a temporary loss of libido and incontinence of urine, but these problems are temporary. Most men regain normal sexual and bladder function within 6-12 months.