Urinary obstruction (blockage) Te puni aramimi
Some illnesses and conditions can block your flow of wee (urine), either fully or partially. This usually happens in the tube that connects your bladder to the outside (urethra). It can be serious.
Symptoms of urinary obstruction
If you have a urinary obstruction, you may have the following symptoms.
- You may be unable to wee (pass urine).
- You may have reduced wee flow.
- Your wee flow may stop and start.
- You may have pain while you wee.
- You may have dripping or dribbling when you start or finish weeing.
- There may be a delay in the wee stream starting.
Causes of urinary obstruction
The blockage is usually in the tube that connects your bladder to the outside (urethra ).
The problem can also be in your bladder the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder (ureters).
A blockage is most commonly caused by an swollen prostate gland.
Other causes include:
- bladder or kidney stone
- sagging pelvic organs (prolapse)
- infection
- abnormal narrowing of the urethra
- nerve problems in your bladder
- a tumour.
Treating a urinary obstruction
If you have symptoms of a urinary blockage, you should see your healthcare provider quickly.
If they find that that the blockage is in your urethra or bladder, they can relieve the pressure with a catheter, which is a flexible slender tube.
Urinary catheter (internal link)
If the obstruction is in your ureter, emergency surgery may be necessary.