Acute urinary retention in male: Why this happens to me?

Last updated: May 18, 2026

• Facebook
• Instagram
• WordPress
• Telegram
• WhatsApp
• LinkedIn
• Mail

One of a Urologic emergency condition that we are going to discuss today is an acute urinary retention. The condition is most prevalent and common in male patient rather than the female. So the topic wills mainly focusing on the acute urinary retention in male patients. Typically, it happens in older gentleman who over 60 years and they were the most often group that realized and faced the condition of symptom. The following risks factors below shall have considered while the patients suffering from it;

Urinary retention risk factors

1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – The most common risk factor that the older gentleman cannot be avoided or ignored. It is the enlargement of the prostate gland. Typically, it gradually onset of a poor urinary stream in men who over 50 years old up. The proper treatment from Urologist is capable to minimize the risk of urinary retention in the coming future.
2. Urethral stricture – Having history of urethral infection, STDs or Endoscopic urological procedure might induce a urethral scarring process which will makes urethral lumen narrowing and finally obstructed.

3. Urethral stone – A rare condition which is occurred by urinary tract stone occluded inside the urethral lumen and that would need an emergency evacuation.

4. Infections – Bladder infection, prostate infection or urethral infection can make a severe irritation in these areas and as results the acute urinary retention may remain.

5. Medications – Certain medications can interfere with bladder function. When the causative drug is stopped, acute urinary retention typically resolves.

6. Constipation – Stool compacted in the rectum can compress the urethra and obstruct urinary flow, making constipation a surprisingly common and easily correctable cause of urinary retention.

7. Limited ambulation – The bladder is controlled by the brain, which typically allows voiding in a quiet, standing position. Patients confined to bed often struggle to urinate and can improve simply by being encouraged to walk and stand.

8. Neurological causes – A complicated condition that should be needed more carefully assessment by Urologist.
9. Bladder dysfunction – Another rare bladder condition which cannot contract well and end up with full bladder.

An urgent management which we had always performed is the bladder decompression with urethral catheter or suprapubic tube insertion to release a large amount of the urines from the bladder before it becomes rupture. Then the certain treatment will be depended and done by a well-trained Urologist. Patient must be educated about plan of the treatment and the possibility causes of the retention. A few complications after draining a large volume of urine, such as hematuria, should be explained to the patient in advance to prevent unnecessary alarm.

Any questions, you can feel free to discuss with me.

If you or a loved one has experienced acute urinary retention or suspect BPH with worsening urinary symptoms, Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone offers specialist consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. Book a Consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Acute Urinary Retention in Men

Disclaimer: This content is written and reviewed by Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, a board-certified urologist at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. It is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medical treatment.