URINARY OBSTRUCTION

What is urinary obstruction?

Certain conditions block the flow of urine. This blockage may be partial or complete. In either case, it can be a serious condition. Obstruction usually occurs in the urethra, the tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body. A blockage may also occur in the ureters. The ureters are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder.

What causes it?

There are several conditions that can block the flow of urine. These include:

urinary infection
kidney or bladder stones
damage to the urethra in women during sexual intercourse
a swollen prostate gland in men
sagging pelvic organs in women
abnormal structure of the urethra
nerve problems in the bladder
pregnancy or
a tumor.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of urinary tract obstruction may include:

inability to urinate
reduced urine flow
a flow that stops and starts
inability to control urination
feeling that the bladder is not empty
pain while urinating, abdominal pain, or pain in the side or back
dripping or dribbling at the start or end of urination
trouble starting the urine stream
nausea and vomiting
mental change or confusion in older adults, or
cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine.

How is it treated?

If the blockage is located in the lower urinary tract, a healthcare provider can relieve the pressure by inserting a catheter. A catheter is a flexible slender tube that is inserted into the urethra. With the catheter in place, the urine usually flows freely. If the ureter is obstructed, emergency surgery may be necessary.

Urinary obstruction can be a medical emergency. If you are having a hard time urinating, contact your provider right away. If you have bladder urgency but cannot urinate, seek immediate medical care.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File URI5364F.HTM Release 9.0/2006