As women, we're often great at looking after others, but it's just as important to tune in to our own bodies. If you've noticed something feeling a bit unusual with your bladder, it's worth exploring.
Female bladder retention is a condition that can sometimes develop without us realising it at first, causing discomfort and impacting our day-to-day.
Understanding the early signs empowers you to seek the right support, whether that's a chat with our GP or a referral to a urologist.
Let's delve into what you need to know about this condition, how to recognise the signals, and the treatment options available.
Female Urinary Retention: Explained
Urinary retention is when the bladder doesn’t empty completely, or sometimes, not at all, even when you feel a strong urge to go.
The onset can often be sudden (acute urinary retention), which leads to immediate discomfort and requires urgent care. Other times, it builds up more slowly (known as chronic urinary retention), and the signs can be easier to overlook at first.
In women, the causes of urinary retention can be quite different from those in men. Where benign prostatic hyperplasia is one of the leading causes in men, for women, it often has more to do with the uterus, urinary tract and other pelvic organs.
Since the bladder sits close to the uterus and vagina, changes in these areas can have a direct impact on bladder function. Hormonal shifts, especially a drop in oestrogen during menopause, can also weaken the tissues supporting the bladder and urethra, making urinary retention more likely.
Because the female anatomy is so interconnected, even mild issues in the pelvic floor muscles or nearby organs can interfere with normal bladder emptying.
Common Causes of Bladder Retention In Women
As we've touched on, urinary retention in women can happen for several different reasons, and sometimes, more than one factor can be at play.
Some of the most common causes include:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs): A UTI can cause swelling and irritation in the urinary tract and urethral sphincter, making it harder for your bladder to empty properly.
Pelvic organ prolapse: When the bladder, uterus or other pelvic organs shift out of place due to childbirth or age, they can press against the bladder or urethra, leading to retention.
Neurological conditions: Problems with the nerves that control your bladder, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, can interrupt the normal signals that tell your bladder when to empty.
Medication side effects: Certain medications, like muscle relaxants, can interfere with your bladder health by relaxing the muscles too much or blocking nerve signals.
Bladder outlet obstruction: Although less common, bladder stones, urethral strictures (narrowing of the urethra) or even tumours can block the flow of urine.
Psychological factors: High levels of anxiety, trauma or fear can sometimes create a mental "block" that makes it difficult to relax the muscles needed to pee.
Spotting the Signs of Urinary Retention
So, how can you tell whether you might be struggling with urinary retention? Here are some signs to look out for:
It’s difficult to start peeing: You may feel the urge to go but find it hard to get the flow started.
Your urine stream is generally weak: If your pee tends to stop and start and not much comes out, but you still feel like you have a full bladder, it might be a sign of urinary retention.
You spend a lot of time in the bathroom: Frequent trips to the bathroom paired with passing small amounts of urine each time could be another sign.
Lower abdominal discomfort: Bladder retention is often linked to lower urinary tract symptoms such as pressure or a sense of fullness that doesn’t go away after using the loo.
How Is Urinary Retention Diagnosed?
If you’re experiencing signs of bladder retention, your GP or women's health specialist will start by asking about your symptoms, medical history and any medications you’re taking.
A physical examination would be the next step and include a gentle check of your abdomen and pelvic area. To see how much urine is left in your bladder after you try to go, a quick and painless bladder scan or ultrasound might also be done.
In some cases, further tests like urodynamic studies (which measure how well your bladder and urethra are working) or a cystoscopy (where a small camera looks inside the bladder) may be recommended.
These tests help pinpoint the underlying cause so your doctor can guide you towards the best treatment plan. The good news is that most diagnostic tests are straightforward and can provide valuable answers fairly quickly.
How Is Urinary Retention Treated?
Treatment for urinary retention depends on what’s causing it, but the main goal is always to help the bladder empty more effectively and comfortably.
In some cases, short-term solutions like using a catheter to drain the bladder may be needed to relieve pressure and discomfort immediately.
If an underlying issue like a urinary tract infection, pelvic organ prolapse or nerve problem is identified, treating that condition often improves bladder function too.
Other approaches might include medications to relax the bladder muscles, pelvic floor therapy to strengthen or retrain the muscles involved in urination or surgery if there’s a physical blockage.
Every treatment plan is personalised, and with the right support, most women find real relief and a return to normal bladder health.
Living with Bladder Retention: Tips for Daily Life
Managing bladder retention can feel overwhelming at times, but small daily habits can make a big difference in your comfort and confidence. It is best to discuss these tips with your doctor to ensure they are right for you.
Create a regular bathroom schedule: Even if you don’t feel the urge to pee, gently training your bladder can help prevent overfilling and reduce the risk of infections.
Drink up: Staying hydrated is important, but try to sip water steadily throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts all at once, which can put extra pressure on your bladder.
Try some new positions: Leaning forward or gently pressing on your abdomen when you pee can help encourage better bladder emptying.
Practice pelvic floor exercises: By spending just 5 minutes per day strengthening your pelvic muscles, you can better support your bladder’s function.
Listen to your body: Avoid delaying bathroom trips when you feel the need. However, if any leaks do occur, there are always incontinence pants from Jude to keep you comfy and dry.
FAQs
Can bladder retention cause urinary incontinence?
Yes, bladder retention can sometimes lead to urinary incontinence. When your bladder doesn’t empty properly, it can become overly full, stretching the bladder muscles and creating pressure that forces urine to leak out unexpectedly. This is often called overflow incontinence.
In women, bladder retention caused by conditions like pelvic organ prolapse, nerve problems or previous surgeries can increase the risk of incontinence.
Recognising the signs early is important, as untreated bladder retention can put extra strain on the bladder and even affect the kidneys over time.
What is primary bladder neck obstruction?
Primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) is a condition where the area of the bladder that connects to the urethra doesn’t open properly during urination. This creates a blockage, making it difficult for urine to pass through easily. It’s called "primary" because it happens without another obvious cause, like a tumour, scarring or nerve damage.
While PBNO can affect both men and women, it’s more commonly discussed in men. In women, it can lead to symptoms like a weak urine stream, straining to pee, feeling that the bladder isn’t emptying completely or needing to pee frequently.
The exact reason why the bladder neck doesn’t open as it should isn't always clear, but it may be related to muscle or nerve coordination problems. Fortunately, there are treatments available.
Are weak bladder muscles linked to urinary retention?
Weak bladder muscles can be linked to urinary retention. The bladder muscles, particularly the detrusor muscle, play an important role in squeezing pee out when you go to the bathroom.
If these muscles become too weak due to ageing, nerve damage, long-term over-stretching of the bladder or certain medical conditions, they may not contract strongly enough to empty the bladder fully. This can lead to a build-up of urine, which causes urinary retention.
Over time, a weak bladder can also make it harder to feel the urge to pee or cause a slow, dribbling stream.
Wrapping Up
Bladder retention can feel like a sensitive topic, but recognising the early signs is an important step towards getting the treatment you need to feel relief.
If you’ve noticed changes in how often you need to go, have difficulty emptying your bladder or are experiencing ongoing discomfort, know that you’re not alone and help is available.
Speaking to your GP or a women’s health specialist can give you answers, support and a clear path forward. By listening to your body and acting early, you’re taking a powerful step in protecting your health and well-being.
