Inability to Urinate (Urinary Retention)

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Urinary retention, the inability or significant difficulty urinating, requires prompt evaluation by a specialist and can range from a chronic condition to an acute medical emergency. Dr. Austen Slade is a board-certified urologist in Boise, Idaho, and the only fellowship-trained endourologist in the state, offering minimally invasive treatments including HoLEP, ReZūm, and TURP to address the underlying causes of urinary retention in men.

With a focus on providing comprehensive care, Dr. Austen Slade ensures that patients understand the potential underlying conditions and the importance of prompt and accurate diagnosis of urinary retention for effective treatment.

boise man struggling wth inability to urinate

What is The Inability to Urinate or Urinary Retention?

Urinary retention is the inability or difficulty urinating and can present in two distinct forms: acute and chronic. Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, characterized by a sudden and painful inability to urinate, leading to severe discomfort and potential health risks.

Chronic urinary retention is characterized as persistent difficulty urinating that can significantly interfere with daily life, often accompanied by symptoms such as a constant urge to urinate, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and a distended lower abdomen. Both conditions require a professional medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

boise man stuggling with inability to urinate

What Conditions Cause Urinary Retention?

Urinary retention can be caused by a variety of factors, like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), where the prostate gland enlarges and blocks urine flow, being a common cause in men. Conditions such as prostate cancer and complications following pelvic or prostate surgery can also result in retention issues.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) may lead to temporary urinary blockages. Neurological disorders that impair bladder control, including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, and Cerebral Palsy, further contribute to the development of urinary retention.

What Are the Treatment Options for Urinary Retention?

boise man stuggling to urinate

Treatment for urinary retention varies, focusing on immediate relief and long-term management. In acute cases, catheterization is used for quick relief. Medications like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may be prescribed to relax bladder muscles or shrink the prostate.

For those needing surgery, Dr. Slade employs minimally invasive procedures such as Moses laser procedure (HoLEP), Water Vapor Therapy (Rezūm), or Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). Dr. Slade provides these innovative methods for effective relief with reduced recovery times, aiming to restore urinary function while causing minimal lifestyle disruption.

Contact Boise Urologist Dr. Slade for Urinary Tract Infection Treatment

If you're experiencing urinary retention, it's important to consult with an expert. Dr. Austen Slade, Idaho's only Endo-urologist fellowship-trained surgeon, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, having trained under the guidance of renowned specialists James Lingaman, Marcelino Rivera, and Tim Large. For personalized and expert care in hematuria treatment, reach out to Dr. Slade today.

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