When Should You Seek Medical Help for Urinary Retention?

At OB-GYN & Incontinence Center, we understand that urinary retention—meaning the inability to fully empty your bladder—can be a distressing and sometimes serious condition for women of all ages.

You should see a doctor for urinary retention if you experience:

● Difficulty starting urination or a weak urine stream
● Inability to urinate despite the urge
● A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
● Frequent urination, especially at night
● Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or bladder area
● Swelling in the abdomen
● Blood in the urine
● Fever or chills, which may indicate an infection
● Persistent urinary retention that doesn’t improve on its own

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment. At The OB-GYN & Incontinence Center, Dr. Prema Kothandaraman and our experienced team are dedicated to diagnosing and treating urinary retention. We offer personalized care to help manage your symptoms and prevent complications.

Urinary retention can become an emergency depending on the severity of the symptoms. If you are unable to urinate at all, experience severe pain or discomfort in the bladder or lower abdomen, or notice swelling in the abdomen, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. These signs can indicate a complete blockage or obstruction, which may require urgent intervention to prevent more serious complications such as bladder damage or kidney problems. In these cases, delaying care can lead to long-term health issues.

In less severe cases, such as mild urinary retention where you have trouble starting urination or a weak stream, the situation may not seem urgent. However, these symptoms should not be ignored. Over time, untreated urinary retention can worsen, leading to complications like urinary tract infections, bladder damage, or kidney dysfunction. It’s essential to have a healthcare professional evaluate your condition to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

At The OB-GYN & Incontinence Center, Dr. Prema Kothandaraman and our dedicated team provide expert care for urinary retention. Whether you’re experiencing mild symptoms or more urgent issues, we are committed to helping you manage your urinary health.

If you are experiencing mild urinary retention, such as difficulty starting urination, a weak stream, or the feeling that your bladder isn’t fully emptying, it’s important not to overlook these symptoms. While it may seem tempting to wait and see if the issue resolves on its own, urinary retention can be a sign of an underlying condition that requires professional attention. These symptoms could be an indication of pelvic floor dysfunction, hormonal changes, or other conditions that may worsen over time if left untreated.

At The OB-GYN & Incontinence Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating urinary and pelvic health concerns, particularly in women. Mild urinary retention in women can be caused by factors unique to female anatomy and reproductive health, including pelvic organ prolapse, prior gynecologic surgeries, hormonal imbalances, or even certain medications. Even mild symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, as they can gradually escalate, leading to more serious complications such as urinary tract infections, bladder damage, or kidney issues.

If your symptoms worsen or you develop new signs, such as pelvic pain, fever, or blood in the urine, it is crucial to seek immediate medical care. Early intervention can lead to better management of the condition and improve your overall outcome. Dr. Prema Kothandaraman and our compassionate team at The OB-GYN & Incontinence Center are here to provide personalized care and effective treatments to address your urinary health concerns.

At The OB-GYN & Incontinence Center, your urinary health is our priority. Certain symptoms of urinary retention can indicate a serious or life-threatening condition and require immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of urinary retention that require immediate medical attention include:

● Sudden inability to urinate or a complete inability to pass urine
● Severe pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or bladder area
● Swelling of the abdomen
● Persistent and painful urge to urinate without being able to pass urine
● Blood in the urine
● Fever or chills along with urinary retention, indicating possible infection
● Weak or interrupted urine stream combined with discomfort or pain

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately to avoid potential complications. At The OB-GYN & Incontinence Center, Dr. Prema Kothandaraman and our team provide prompt, compassionate care to diagnose and treat urinary retention effectively.

At The OB-GYN & Incontinence Center, Dr. Prema Kothandaraman and our dedicated team specialize in helping patients recognize the signs of urinary retention and understand when it’s time to seek medical help. We offer comprehensive evaluations to determine if your symptoms—such as difficulty starting urination, incomplete bladder emptying, or frequent urination, especially at night—are indicators of urinary retention. Through personalized care, Dr. Kothandaraman works closely with you to assess your condition, offering advanced diagnostic tests to pinpoint the underlying cause.

Our team at The OB-GYN & Incontinence Center provides compassionate care tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you understand the severity of your symptoms and the potential complications if left untreated. Dr. Kothandaraman emphasizes early intervention to prevent further health issues, such as bladder damage or kidney damage problems, and designs treatment plans to help restore normal bladder function.

For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1505 Wilson Terrace #320, Glendale, CA 91206. We serve patients from Glendale, CA, Pasadena, CA, Alhambra, CA, Arcadia, CA, Burbank, CA, San Marino, CA, and Altadena, CA.