Outlook

Many people regain normal urination function after an episode of acute urinary retention. The prognosis depends on the source of the problem.

• People with urinary retention caused by obstruction, infection, drugs, or the postoperative state generally recover much more easily than those with a nerve problem. The time frame for recovery varies, however.
  
  
• People who continue to have urinary retention despite treatment may need long-term therapy.

The best option for long-term therapy is clean, intermittent catheterization.

• You or your caregiver will be taught how to insert a removable catheter into the bladder to allow urine to drain.
  
  
• Catheterization can either be a temporary measure until normal urination returns or be more permanent.
  
  
• The other option is placing a Foley catheter into the bladder either via the urethra or through the skin. Tubes will be changed monthly to limit the risk of infection.

Clean, intermittent catheterization also remains a treatment option for people who can urinate but cannot completely empty the bladder.

• This form of chronic urinary retention frequently leads to urinary incontinence and infections.
  
  
• Sometimes, by teaching a person to self-catheterize 1-3 times per day, the problem can be improved significantly.