Causes and Risk Factors of Acute Urinary Retention

Obstructive/Structural Causes

• Urinary stones can cause obstruction at any level of the urinary tract, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians, with a study published in 2006 1
• Constipation with fecal impaction can cause acute urinary retention, as reported by the American Heart Association in 2021 2, 3
• Phimosis in uncircumcised males can cause acute urinary retention, as noted by the British Association of Dermatologists in 2016 4

Neurological Causes

• Stroke, particularly affecting the frontal lobe or pons, can cause acute urinary retention in 21-47% of patients within the first 72 hours, according to the American Stroke Association in 2021 2, 3

Infectious/Inflammatory Causes

• Urinary tract infections can cause acute urinary retention, as reported by the Infectious Diseases Society of America in 2009 and 2025 5, 6
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome affecting the urogenital tract can cause acute urinary retention, as noted by the British Association of Dermatologists in 2016 4

Other Causes

• Post-surgical patients, especially those undergoing pelvic, anorectal, or urological procedures, are at risk of acute urinary retention, according to the International Society for Infectious Diseases in 2025 6
• Immobility and bedrest can cause acute urinary retention, as reported by the American Heart Association in 2021 7

Risk Factors

• Prolonged bedrest or immobility can increase the risk of acute urinary retention, according to the American Heart Association in 2021 7

Diagnostic Approach

• Urinalysis can help identify infection as a cause of acute urinary retention, as reported by the American Heart Association in 2009 5
• Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder can assess for hydronephrosis, stones, or other structural abnormalities, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians in 2006 1, 8

Complications of Untreated AUR

• Urinary tract infections can occur as a complication of untreated acute urinary retention, according to the International Society for Infectious Diseases in 2025 6

Prevention Strategies

• Early mobilization in hospitalized patients can help prevent acute urinary retention, as reported by the American Heart Association in 2021 7
• Scheduled voiding for patients at risk, especially post-stroke patients, can help prevent acute urinary retention, according to the American Stroke Association in 2021 2, 3