Urinary retention is a medical condition characterized by the inability to empty the bladder completely. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "ur-" is pronounced as [jʊər], the "i-" in the second syllable is pronounced as [aɪ], and the "na-" is pronounced as [neɪ]. The "ry" in the middle is pronounced as [rɪ], the "re-" is pronounced as [ri], and the "-tion" is pronounced as [ʃən]. Altogether, the correct pronunciation is [ˈjʊərɪnəri rɪˈtenʃən].
Urinary retention is a medical condition characterized by the inability to fully empty the bladder or the inability to urinate at all. It occurs when the muscles that control urination are unable to function properly. This can be caused by various factors such as injury or damage to the nerves that control the bladder, blockage of the urethra, or weakened bladder muscles.
There are two types of urinary retention: acute and chronic. Acute urinary retention is a sudden and severe condition that requires immediate medical attention. It can cause severe pain and discomfort, along with a strong urge to urinate. Chronic urinary retention, on the other hand, is a long-term condition that develops gradually over time. It may not cause as much pain or discomfort but can lead to frequent urinary tract infections or kidney damage if left untreated.
Common symptoms of urinary retention include a weaker urine flow, difficulty starting urination, feeling the need to urinate frequently but passing only small amounts of urine, and discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen. Treatment for urinary retention depends on the underlying cause. It may involve medication to relax the bladder muscles, catheterization to drain the urine, or in severe cases, surgery to correct any structural abnormalities.
In conclusion, urinary retention is a condition characterized by the inability to empty the bladder fully, resulting from various factors that affect the muscles or nerves involved in urination. It can cause pain, discomfort, and increased risk of infections or kidney damage. Prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment are necessary to manage this condition effectively.
The word "urinary" refers to the urinary system, which includes the organs responsible for producing, storing, and eliminating urine, such as the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. The term "retention" comes from the Latin word "retentio", meaning the act of holding back or keeping something. Therefore, "urinary retention" describes the condition where urine is held back or not properly emptied from the bladder.