A member asked:

Can i die from urinary retention if i ignore it?

3 doctor answers5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Dennis Higginbotham
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology 32 years experience
Probably not: The bladder could potentially rupture - that could result in death if not addressed promptly. More likely is that your bladder becomes permanently damaged by the over distention, requiring catheters to drain your bladder.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Miguel Cano
Obstetrics and Gynecology 32 years experience
Not quickly: But you'll be miserable in pain, leakage, infections, & and lose your bladder function if it is not fixed. Why would you ignore it? This is not normal and you should see a uro-gyn or urologist to see if it's medication related, injury, neurological, or obstructive. Please get this fixed. You don't want to damage your bladder & possibly kidneys or have to rely on catheters for life.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. George Klauber
Specializes in Pediatric Urology
Agonizing death: You will be in severe discomfort/pain with complete urinary retention unless your bladder is neurogenic and devoid of sensation. Retention due to prostatic obstruction, bladder stone or tumor can kill you secondary to uremia after kidneys stop filtering waste products from your body. Blood potassium can rise and cause cardiac arrest, progressive uremia can lead to coma. Catheterization is better!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

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Last updated Sep 21, 2017

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