Definition
Pychogenic urinary retention refers to a condition where an individual experiences difficulty or inability to initiate or maintain the normal process of urination, primarily due to psychological or emotional factors.
Causes
Pychogenic urinary retention is often caused by psychological or emotional stressors that interfere with the normal functioning of the bladder. These stressors may include anxiety, depression, trauma, or certain psychiatric disorders.
Symptoms
The symptoms of psychogenic urinary retention may include:
- Inability to start urination
- Urgency or frequency in attempting to urinate
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic region
Treatment
Treatment for psychogenic urinary retention involves addressing the underlying psychological or emotional causes. This may include therapy, counseling, stress management techniques, and medications to alleviate psychiatric symptoms contributing to the condition. In some cases, intermittent catheterization may also be required to relieve the retention and maintain bladder health.