unable to urinate
I am really worried because for the past few days, I've been unable to urinate. It started last week after I came back from a camping trip with my friends. We drank tons of water while hiking, but by the end, I noticed I felt bloated and kinda uncomfortable. Thought it was nothing at first. But then, when I got home, I tried to go, and just nothing happened. Like, how can someone be unable to urinate after all that water? I didn't feel any major pain until yesterday; now, there’s this weird pressure in my lower abdomen and I keep feeling the urge, but whenever I go to the bathroom, it’s just like... nothing! I’ve been drinking even more water, thinking maybe I just need to flush it out, but it’s still the same. I’m also kinda anxious, you know? Wondering if this is serious. My friends joked about it when I told them, like “you’ve got a shy bladder" or whatever, but this isn’t funny to me. Is there something I should do? Should I head to the ER or just wait this out? Has anyone else been unable to urinate like this?
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.
Doctors' responses
Difficulty urinating, especially after a few days, combined with abdominal discomfort and a constant urge to go, can be a sign of acute urinary retention—this isn’t something to wait out. You’re right to be concerned, and I would recommend you seek medical attention promptly, preferably going to the emergency room. Acute urinary retention can be caused by several factors, such as an enlarged prostate (more common in men), urinary tract infections, or even certain medications. It might also occur due to nerve problems affecting bladder control or obstructions such as stones. Continuing to drink excessive amounts of fluid with this kind of issue might actually compound the problem since your bladder is likely becoming more distended. The risk of prolonged retention includes damage to the bladder or kidneys due to increased pressure. It’s a situation that requires a prompt evaluation, likely involving a physical examination and potentially imaging or laboratory tests, to identify the cause and determine the appropriate intervention. Waiting might elevate the risk of complications and shouldn’t be an option. While it’s understandable to feel anxious and a bit bewildered by this sudden change, it’s crucial to focus on getting the right care as soon as possible. Though it doesn’t often happen, when it does, retention like yours can escalate quickly, so acting now is definitely the best step forward.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.
