For example spina bifida may cause urinary retention in newborn babies. Some children are born with conditions that may affect the nerve signals to the bladder.

Possible causes of nerve problems that may cause urinary retention include diabetes, a stroke, multiple sclerosis or after an injury to the pelvis. The sphincters may not receive the signal to relax and allow the bladder to empty. Urinary retention can result from problems with the nerves that control the bladder and the valves (sphincters) that control the flow of urine from the bladder.Įven when the bladder is full, the bladder muscles that squeeze urine out may not receive the signal to push. Problems with the nerves supplying the bladder Urinary retention in women can also be caused by genitourinary prolapse. Other causes include a narrowing of the urethra ( urethral stricture) and constipation.

See the separate leaflet called Prostate Gland Enlargement. Blockage (obstruction) of the tube passing urine out from the bladder (the urethra)Ī common cause of a blockage for men is prostate gland enlargement. Urinary retention can result from many different causes.

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