what happens when urine stops - #13499
I am really worried because I've been having some weird symptoms lately. It started a week ago when I noticed I was needing to pee a lot, like every half hour. Then yesterday, it just all suddenly changed, and now I can’t seem to go at all! Like seriously, what happens when urine stops? I feel bloated and uncomfortable, and I’m constantly drinking water trying to force myself to go, but nothing’s happening. Got an appointment next week but, ugh, waiting is driving me crazy. I mean, is this a serious issue? Do I need to be concerned about my kidneys or bladder? I've also had this dull pain in my lower abdomen and it worries me that what happens when urine stops could mean something bad. Does this happen to other people or am I just freaking out for no reason? I looked online but the info is kinda scary, some stuff about retention and infections and I don't even know if that fits my symptoms. Can it just be a temporary thing, or should I be more proactive and seek help sooner? I just want to feel normal again and stop worrying about this whole what happens when urine stops thing! Any thoughts?
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Doctors’ responses
When urine production abruptly stops or you find yourself unable to urinate, it’s critical to take these symptoms seriously. This condition, often termed as urinary retention, can happen due to a variety of causes. It might range from something blocking the outflow of urine (like a urinary tract obstruction or a large prostate in men) to problems with the bladder muscles or neurologic conditions affecting bladder signals. What you’re experiencing with the abdominal discomfort could be due to a distended bladder, and it’s quite understandable to feel bloated and uneasy. In situations like these, it’s advisable not to wait for your scheduled appointment next week. Urinary retention can cause significant discomfort and might lead to serious complications if not promptly addressed, including damage to the bladder or kidneys over time if prolonged. Your best course of action is to seek immediate medical attention. This doesn’t mean you should panic, but do prioritize it, as a healthcare professional might need to relieve the retention through a temporary measure such as catheterization. Additionally, they’ll evaluate for possible causes like infections or any abnormal anatomy. Urinary tract infections could be contributing to your symptoms, especially considering the sudden change from frequent urination to retention. In the meantime, monitor for any additional symptoms like fever, nausea, or increasing pain, which could indicate escalating issues. It’s reassuring to remember that many other folks have experienced similar situations and appropriate medical evaluation and intervention can effectively address the root cause and help alleviate your anxiety. So, my suggestion is to get assessed without waiting until next week to ensure timely management and ease the discomfort you’re experiencing.
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