by On average, a person urinates between four and seven times a day. Although the frequency depends on factors such as fluid intake, in other cases a point of urinary retention is reached that must be treated in time to avoid serious outcomes.
The portal of the National Institutes of Health of the United States (NIH) explains that, in order to urinate, all the components of the urinary tract must work harmoniously.
“Urine normally flows from the kidneys to the bladder through the ureters and out through the urethra. If a blockage or narrowing occurs somewhere along the urinary tract, the person may have difficulty urinating and, if the blockage is severe, you cannot urinate at all,” they say.
This is how urinary retention can be managed
Although there are different causes, which are mentioned later, the NIH virtual library points out as solutions from more complex medical procedures to actions that could be carried out at home. In this sense, there are six recommendations for a woman who is detecting urinary retention.
1. Physiotherapy
It could be a doctor’s recommendation, understanding that there are exercises focused on strengthening the pelvic floor. The idea is for the physical therapist to teach and guide exercises to stretch and relax tight pelvic floor muscles. As a reference, we have Kegel exercises, which help the muscles to empty the bladder to increase or maintain their capacity.
2. Bladder Training
This suggestion seeks to schedule urination times. Then you can choose between urinating at established times so that the bladder does not fill up or implementing double urination, that is, waiting for a while after urinating and trying again, trying to empty the bladder.
“The patient must take more time in the bathroom to be able to relax and empty the bladder completely. Women should try to relax the muscles around the bladder when urinating to make it easier to urinate. It is better to sit on the toilet seat or squat. Leaning over the toilet seat to avoid touching it and urinating practically standing up does not allow the muscles to fully relax and can cause urine to remain in the bladder.
3. Improve urination habits.
At this point, health experts recommend going to the bathroom whenever you have the need, because retaining urine wears out the muscles of the bladder.
4. Be aware of the function of the bladder
The suggestion focuses on being attentive to body signals such as the frequency of urination. “If it becomes easier to hold urination and the time between urinations is lengthened, the bladder may gradually stretch,” they say.
They also recommend consulting your health care professional if any of the signs of urinary retention occur. Since it is possible to prevent the condition from getting worse, if help is received in time.
5. Follow the doctor’s order regarding the taking of drugs
Men with prostate problems, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, should take medications prescribed by their health care professional and avoid medications that can cause urinary retention, such as decongestants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
6. Modify diet and lifestyle
Since some causes of urinary retention are related to the functioning of the digestive system, it is advisable to consume enough fiber in the diet, drink plenty of water and other fluids, and be physically active regularly. That is, having habits that guarantee proper functioning of the rest of the organs and systems so that they do not end up increasing or generating more affectations.
Causes of urinary retention
In this case there is a long list of reasons why the bladder may be working in this way. Are included bladder muscles, weak, surgeries, medications, neurological diseases
Also, bladder outlet obstruction, such as urethral stricture or scar tissue at the bladder neck, pelvic organ prolapse, including cystocele and rectocele, urinary tract stones, constipation, pelvic masses, such as tumors, fibroids, noncancerous or cancerous polyps or clots, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and trauma to the pelvis or urethra
