Prostatism
Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is more common as men get older. An obstruction is caused when the bladder neck and prostatic urethra fail to open properly as the bladder contracts during urination.
Obstructions usually show up as lower urinary tract symptoms that sometimes result in the urine staying in the bladder when it's supposed to be released. When this happens suddenly, it's called acute urinary retention. This is very painful and usually relieved temporarily by inserting a catheter (thin tube) to release the urine.
Chronic (ongoing) retention, which is less common, can lead to a dangerous accumulation of urine in the bladder that is painless. An uncommon form of chronic urinary retention is associated with high bladder pressures, which can damage kidney function.
Other resources
- Benign prostate disease: a very common condition - Andrology Australia