Q: What does a man do if he is unable to urinate?
A: Some individuals may find temporary relief by sitting in a tub of warm water or by simply turning on a water faucet in a sink that can often stimulate a urinary flow. Other than that, there is little that can be accomplished at home since a true inability to urinate requires prompt medical attention.
The most common cause for urinary retention is because of a narrowing or stricture within the urethra, the small tubular structure that drains urine from the bladder. The bladder is an organ similar to a balloon in the pelvis that stores urine. When the condition occurs in men, it is often because of an enlarged prostate – also a common condition. This is because as a man ages, the prostate that partially surrounds the urethra causes pressure and blockage. There are also several other medical issues that can result in urinary retention. The first is an after effect of surgery that may be related to the type of operation performed, scar tissue, or even resulting from the anesthetic used. [Read more...]