Urinary retention is a common complaint at my Urology office. Urinary retention being defined as the acute retention of urine, affects millions of people all over the world with the prevalence increasing in elderly. Patients more likely terrifying with their first episode of retention and trying to seek a medical profession for specific treatment. Good news in between bad news, there are some reversible causes of Urinary retention, which is, if we’ve treated them correctly, it will be resolved with no need to take any further investigation or management. In this topic we will discuss about “Transient Urinary Retention”
Transient Urinary Retention is the reversible condition usually came up with a sudden onset and presenting less than 6 weeks at a time of the evaluation. Several of the reversible causes, can be easily recall by mnemonic DIAPPERS.
Reversible causes of Transient urinary retention
- Delirium
- Infection
- Any infection-related issues
- Especially acute urinary tract infection

- Atrophic vaginitis
- Pharmaceuticals
- Antihypertensives
- Pain killers – NSAID, Opioids derivative
- Psychotherapeutics – antidepressants or sedative drugs
- Alcohol – increases urine production with impaired nervous system
- Antihistamines – inhibits bladder contraction

- Psychological disorder
- Depression
- Excessive urine output
- Hyperglycemic state
- Reduced mobility
- Bed ridden patients
- Healthy patients who admit inpatient with more times staying in bed
- Stool impaction
- The fecal impact within rectum can compress the urethra and make the difficulty of urination

Once patients came to see me along with incontinence-related problem. The above mentioned of the risk factors would always document and correct them if possible. When the patients’ problems are resolved since we corrected all risk factors, then the “Transient urinary retention” will be the diagnosis. If not, the further evaluation is needed in order to clarify the cause of urinary incontinence. See you in next topic!
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