Certain conditions block the flow of urine. This may be partial or complete. In either case, it can be a serious condition. Obstruction is usually in the urethra (the tube between the bladder and the outside) or the neck of the bladder. It may also occur in the ureters. The ureters are the tubes that lead from the kidneys to the bladder.

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.
* kidney failure, or
* a tumor.

Women often have transient voiding difficulty during childbirth. This is more likely if they receive an epidural pain killer.

Symptoms of obstruction include:
* inability to pass urine,
* reduced urine flow,
* intermittent flow,
* pain while passing urine,
* dripping or dribbling at the start or end of urination, or
* hesitancy in starting the urine stream.

If blockage is in the lower urinary tract, a healthcare provider can relieve the pressure with a catheter. A catheter is a slender tube. Once the catheter is in the urethra, urine usually flows out freely. While the catheter is in place, the patient will no longer have the control to stop urination. If obstruction is in the ureters, a simple catheter will not solve the problem. If a catheter fails, emergency surgery may be necessary. The provider must treat the basic cause. Infection or an enlarged prostate require medical treatment. Small kidney and bladder stones may be flushed out by drinking a lot of water. Providers might remove larger stones with special tools or shatter them with shock waves from outside the body.

Urinary obstruction could be a medical emergency. If you are having a hard time passing urine, consult your health care provider right away. If you have bladder urgency but cannot pass any urine, seek immediate medical care.

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