Urinary retention means you can't pass urine—even with a full bladder. It may feel like pain in the lower belly. Or you might not feel anything. You may have bladder spasms or urine leaking. Or you may have a strong urge to go, but nothing will come out. If you haven't urinated for 6 hours, you may have urinary retention.
This is fairly common after some surgeries. But it could become serious if left untreated. Treatment includes draining the bladder with a small tube called a catheter. You may go home with a catheter. If so, they will tell you when to come back to have it removed. This may be after a few days or weeks.
Most people are able to urinate in a normal way again after treatment.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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