Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder fully or at all. It can come on suddenly and painfully (acute) or slowly (chronic). Sudden inability to pass urine is a medical emergency. This page explains the symptoms, causes, when to see a doctor and the supportive homeopathic approach at Welling Homeopathy.
Wondering which of these medicines is right for you?
Every person with urinary retention is different, and so is the medicine that works best for them. To discover the best-suited homeopathic medicines for urinary retention for you, consult our experts. They will study your symptoms, your past treatment history and your personality, and then find the homeopathy medicines that suit you best.
Call +91 8080 850 950 for a 1:1 personal consultation with our experts today.
Quick answers: homeopathy for urinary retention
- What it is: Inability to empty the bladder completely, or at all.
- Typical sign: Straining, a weak stream, a feeling of not emptying, or none at all.
- See a doctor if: You cannot pass urine at all, or have severe lower abdominal pain, which is an emergency.
- Homeopathy: Supportive care alongside finding and treating the cause.
About urinary retention
In acute retention, someone suddenly cannot pass urine despite a full, painful bladder, and needs a catheter at once. In chronic retention the bladder never empties fully, which causes a weak stream, dribbling, frequent infections and, over time, kidney damage.
Common causes include an enlarged prostate in men, urethral stricture, constipation, medicines (some anticholinergics, antihistamines and opioids), nerve problems (diabetes, spinal injury, multiple sclerosis), surgery and anaesthesia, and infections.
Common symptoms of urinary retention
Symptoms vary from person to person. Common ones include:
- Difficulty starting to pass urine
- A weak, slow or interrupted stream
- A feeling that the bladder is never empty
- Frequent small passes or dribbling
- Lower abdominal fullness or pain
- Complete inability to pass urine (emergency)
Causes and risk factors of urinary retention
There is rarely a single cause. Factors that may contribute include:
- Enlarged prostate (BPH)
- Urethral stricture
- Bladder stones
- Constipation
- Medicines such as some antihistamines, anticholinergics and opioids
- Nerve damage from diabetes, spinal injury or surgery
When to see a doctor
Get a proper medical assessment rather than waiting for the problem to settle on its own, and seek urgent care if you notice any of the following:
- Complete inability to pass urine, which needs emergency catheterisation
- Severe lower abdominal pain or a swollen lower abdomen
- Fever or confusion with urinary symptoms
- Leakage with a constantly full bladder
- Blood in the urine
Homeopathic medicines for urinary retention
The medicines below are commonly considered in homeopathy for urinary retention, with the symptom picture traditionally associated with each. They are listed for general information, not as a prescription.
(1) Causticum: traditionally considered for retention after surgery, cold exposure or paralytic weakness of the bladder.
(2) Nux vomica: traditionally used for ineffectual urging with straining, often with constipation.
(3) Opium: considered for retention with a lack of urging in a sluggish bladder.
(4) Arnica montana: traditionally considered for retention following injury or childbirth.
(5) Cantharis: considered for painful, urgent, scanty passing of urine.
Homeopathic treatment of urinary retention at Welling Homeopathy
These are only basic indications – many more homeopathic medicines are used for urinary retention, and the right one is chosen after detailed case-taking by an experienced doctor.
Homeopathy is offered as individualised, supportive care. Reliable scientific evidence that homeopathy treats urinary retention is limited, so it should not replace a medical diagnosis or any treatment your doctor considers necessary, and you should not stop or change current medicines without medical advice.
Contact a Welling clinic or call +91 80 80 850 950 for a consultation in person or online.
Self-care and lifestyle tips
These measures support general health and may ease symptoms, but they do not replace treatment when it is needed.
- Take your time and relax when passing urine
- Try double voiding (pass urine, wait a minute, try again)
- Treat constipation
- Review medicines with your doctor
- Avoid holding urine for long
Frequently asked questions about urinary retention
1. Is urinary retention an emergency?
Acute retention, where you cannot pass any urine and have lower abdominal pain, is an emergency and needs a catheter right away. Do not wait for homeopathy or home remedies to work.
2. What causes urinary retention in men?
Mostly an enlarged prostate, but also urethral stricture, infection and certain medicines. See our page on prostate enlargement.
3. Can urinary retention occur after surgery?
Yes, particularly after spinal anaesthesia, pelvic or hernia surgery. It usually settles with temporary catheterisation.
4. What tests are done for urinary retention?
A bladder scan or ultrasound for the amount left after passing urine, urine and kidney tests, and sometimes a flow study or cystoscopy.
5. Can homeopathy help with urinary retention?
Homeopathy is offered as individualised supportive care once the cause is established. It does not replace catheterisation or treatment of the blockage when they are needed.
6. Can I take homeopathic medicines along with my current medicines for urinary retention?
Homeopathic medicines are highly diluted and are not known to interfere with other medicines, but please tell your doctor and our specialists about everything you take. Do not stop, skip or change any prescribed medicine on your own; any change should be discussed with the doctor who prescribed it.
7. Who is the best homeopathy doctor for urinary retention in Mumbai?
Dr. Sourabh Welling, M.D., founder of Welling Homeopathy, who has over 25 years of experience, treats urinary retention with individualised homeopathic care, together with a team of senior specialists. You can consult him and the team at our Mumbai clinics or online from anywhere in India and abroad.
Related Reading
- Homeopathy Treatment of Prostate Enlargement (BPH)
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Urethral Stricture
- Treatment of Prostatitis
- Homeopathy Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Homeopathy Treatment for Kidney Stones (Renal Calculi)
- Homeopathy Treatment for Urinary Incontinence
- Homeopathy Treatment for Overactive Bladder (Frequent Urination)
- Homeopathy Treatment for Bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis)
- Homeopathy Treatment for Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infection)
- Homeopathy Treatment for Glomerulonephritis (Nephritis)
- Homeopathy Treatment for IgA Nephropathy
- Homeopathy Treatment for Diabetic Nephropathy (Diabetic Kidney Disease)
- Homeopathy Treatment for Proteinuria (Protein in Urine)
- Homeopathy Treatment for Hydronephrosis
- Homeopathy Treatment for Urethral Stricture
- Homeopathy Treatment for Bladder Stones
- Homeopathy Treatment for Lupus Nephritis
To consult Welling Homeopathy experts, call +91 80 80 850 950.
Disclaimer: this page is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary from person to person.
