Acute Urinary Retention Treatment in Singapore

Experiencing a sudden inability to urinate despite a full bladder can be frightening and uncomfortable. Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent serious complications. At our urology clinic in Singapore, our MOH-accredited urologist provides prompt diagnosis and effective treatment for patients experiencing this distressing condition. We offer same-day consultations to provide the relief you need.

Acute urinary retention (AUR) is the sudden and complete inability to pass urine despite having a full bladder. This condition develops rapidly over hours and causes severe lower abdominal pain and distress. Unlike chronic retention where some urine can still pass, acute retention means no urine can be expelled voluntarily. In Singapore, AUR affects approximately 10 in 100,000 men annually, with incidence increasing with age. The condition requires immediate medical intervention to drain the bladder and prevent kidney damage.

Early Symptoms

• Sudden inability to urinate despite strong urge
• Severe lower abdominal pain and pressure
• Visible bladder distension above the pubic bone
• Extreme discomfort and restlessness

Peak Symptoms

• Unbearable suprapubic pain
• Sweating and anxiety from discomfort
• Abdominal bloating and hardness
• Complete absence of urine flow
• Nausea in severe cases

Associated Symptoms

• Overflow incontinence (small dribbles of urine)
• Blood in urine if caused by stones or infection
• Fever if complicated by infection
• Lower back pain if kidney involvement

Symptoms of acute urinary retention develop rapidly over hours, creating a medical emergency. The pain typically worsens progressively until medical drainage is performed.

Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Seek urgent medical care if you cannot urinate and experience severe lower abdominal pain. Do not attempt to force urination or wait for the condition to resolve spontaneously, as this can lead to bladder damage or kidney injury.

During your emergency consultation, our urologist will assess your condition through physical examination and bladder scanning. The priority is rapid bladder drainage to relieve pain and prevent complications. Following initial treatment, comprehensive evaluation identifies the underlying cause to prevent recurrence.

Red flag symptoms requiring immediate emergency department visit include high fever, severe back pain, confusion, or vomiting alongside retention. These may indicate serious complications like kidney infection or failure. Early intervention improves outcomes and prevents long-term bladder dysfunction.

Diagnosis of acute urinary retention begins with clinical assessment. Our urologist performs abdominal examination to feel the distended bladder and assesses for signs of infection or neurological problems. A bladder scan using portable ultrasound confirms retained urine volume, typically showing volumes exceeding 400-600ml.

Following initial drainage, diagnostic tests identify the underlying cause. Post-void residual measurement assesses bladder emptying ability once normal urination resumes. Uroflowmetry measures urine flow rate and pattern, detecting obstructions or weak bladder contractions. Blood tests check kidney function and PSA levels in men to screen for prostate problems.

Further imaging may include ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder to detect stones or masses. Cystoscopy allows direct visualisation of the urethra and bladder interior, identifying strictures or tumours. Urodynamic studies evaluate bladder pressure and function in complex cases. CT scans assess for pelvic masses or anatomical abnormalities causing obstruction.

Untreated acute urinary retention causes progressive bladder overdistension, potentially leading to permanent muscle damage. The bladder wall stretches beyond its elastic limit, impairing future contraction ability. This results in chronic retention or complete bladder failure requiring lifelong catheterisation.

Kidney damage occurs when high bladder pressure forces urine backward into the kidneys. This hydronephrosis causes kidney swelling and progressive function loss. Severe cases lead to acute kidney failure requiring dialysis. Stagnant urine promotes bacterial growth, causing severe urinary tract infections that can spread to the bloodstream.

Long-term complications include bladder stone formation from crystallised minerals in retained urine. Chronic pain syndromes may develop from prolonged bladder distension. Quality of life deteriorates without proper treatment, affecting work, social activities, and psychological wellbeing.

While not all cases are preventable, several strategies reduce acute urinary retention risk. Men with enlarged prostates should seek early treatment for urinary symptoms before retention develops. Regular prostate screening helps identify problems early. Avoiding medications that affect bladder function, particularly antihistamines and decongestants, prevents precipitated retention.

Maintaining good bowel habits prevents constipation-related retention. Adequate fluid intake keeps urine dilute, reducing infection and stone risk. Limiting alcohol consumption, especially in men with prostate symptoms, avoids retention triggers. Prompt treatment of urinary infections prevents complications leading to retention.

For high-risk individuals, prophylactic alpha-blocker therapy may be recommended before surgeries or procedures. Learning to recognise early warning signs like difficulty initiating urination or weak stream enables timely medical consultation before acute retention develops.

Acute urinary retention is a urological emergency requiring immediate medical attention. While the experience can be distressing, prompt treatment provides rapid relief and prevents serious complications. Understanding the condition’s causes and available treatments empowers patients to seek timely care. With proper management, most patients achieve complete recovery and return to normal urinary function. Our urology clinic provides comprehensive acute and preventive care to help patients overcome this challenging condition.