A 47-year-old member asked:
can constipation cause urinary retention?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. James Cain answered
Nephrology and Dialysis 36 years experience
Not usually: Some problems that cause constipation, such as electrolyte or nerve disorders can cause bladders to retain urine. Best to be examined by your doctor and ask this question.
4760 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. George Klauber answered
Specializes in Pediatric Urology
Rarely: Severe stool impaction can cause urinary retention especially in chidren. A large hard bolus of stool can compress thethra ; even push up the bladder neck. Such patients usually need a manual stool disimpaction followed by vigorous enemas ; should consult with a gastroenterologist if they have not previously done so.
4741 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Julie Abbott answered
Preventive Medicine 45 years experience
Yes: Sometimes there is enough stool in the colon and the bowel becomes enlarged enough so that it can mechanically obstruct the outflow of the urinary tract/bladder. Work to keep stool soft and formed with generous daily water intake, dietary fiber and exercise:)
3281 viewsAnswered Jan 15, 2021Merged
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Last updated Jan 15, 2021
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