About Us    Contact Us    Careers    Site Map    Search

Health Care Services    Hospitals & Facilities    Health Information    Find a Doctor    Why Choose Baptist
 
Home Health Information Health Topic Library Urinary and Genital Systems
Urinary Obstruction
 
What is urinary obstruction?
Certain conditions block the flow of urine. This blockage may be partial or complete. In either case, it can be a serious condition. Obstruction usually occurs in the urethra, the tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body. A blockage may also occur in the ureters. The ureters are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder.

What causes it?
There are several conditions that can block the flow of urine. These include:
  • urinary infection
  • kidney or bladder stones
  • damage to the urethra in women during sexual intercourse
  • a swollen prostate gland in men
  • sagging pelvic organs in women
  • abnormal structure of the urethra
  • nerve problems in the bladder
  • pregnancy or
  • a tumor.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of urinary tract obstruction may include:
  • inability to urinate
  • reduced urine flow
  • a flow that stops and starts
  • inability to control urination
  • feeling that the bladder is not empty
  • pain while urinating, abdominal pain, or pain in the side or back
  • dripping or dribbling at the start or end of urination
  • trouble starting the urine stream
  • nausea and vomiting
  • mental change or confusion in older adults, or
  • cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine.

How is it treated?
If the blockage is located in the lower urinary tract, a healthcare provider can relieve the pressure by inserting a catheter. A catheter is a flexible slender tube that is inserted into the urethra. With the catheter in place, the urine usually flows freely. If the ureter is obstructed, emergency surgery may be necessary.

Urinary obstruction can be a medical emergency. If you are having a hard time urinating, contact your provider right away. If you have bladder urgency but cannot urinate, seek immediate medical care.




Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File URI5364F.HTM Release 9.0/2006. Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subdiaries. All Rights Reserved.


Top of Page

Baptist Online
Read the latest articles about a variety of health subjects, with many practical tips to help you take control of your health.
More

See Information Related to This Topic
Home | Health Care Services | Hospitals & Facilities | Health Information | Find a Doctor | Why Choose Baptist
©2010 Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer. Notice of Privacy Practices.
Baptist Memorial Hospital In keeping with the three-fold ministry of Christ — healing, preaching and teaching — Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation is committed to providing quality health care.