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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Urinary Retention and Urinary Incontinence?

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Urinary retention and urinary incontinence are two different medical conditions related to the urinary system. The key difference between them is:

  • Urinary Retention: In this condition, people have difficulty emptying their bladder or are unable to completely empty it. It can affect both men and women, but it is more common in men as they age. Some of the main causes of urinary retention include obstruction to the flow out of the bladder (prostate enlargement, faecal impaction, etc.), being unable to pass urine and fully empty the bladder, and the sphincter's failure to relax, allowing urine to be passed normally.
  • Urinary Incontinence: This condition causes involuntary urine leakage that cannot be controlled. It is more common in women than men and can be caused by various factors, including aging, childbirth, and menopause.

In summary, urinary retention makes it hard to expel urine, while urinary incontinence makes it hard to hold urine. Both conditions can have negative impacts on a person's quality of life and may require medical intervention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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  • What is the Difference Between Urinary Retention and Urinary Incontinence?
  • Comparative Table: Urinary Retention vs Urinary Incontinence

    • Comparative Table: Urinary Retention vs Urinary Incontinence

    Urinary retention and urinary incontinence are two distinct conditions related to the bladder. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

    Feature Urinary Retention Urinary Incontinence
    Definition Inability to voluntarily empty the bladder completely. Involuntary leakage of urine due to the loss of bladder control.
    Types Acute and Chronic. Not applicable.
    Symptoms Acute: Sudden and often painful inability to void despite a full bladder. Chronic: Non-painful bladder distension, leading to overflow dribbling and risk of impaired upper urinary tract function. Incontinence after urinating, postvoid residual measurement, mild and constant discomfort in the lower abdomen and urinary tract.
    Complications Infection and renal failure. Not applicable.
    Causes Reduced bladder contractility, poorly sustained detrusor contraction, grouped into infective, pharmacological, neurological, anatomical, myopathic, and functional categories. Not applicable.
    Treatment Dependent on the underlying cause, may include medications, surgery, or behavioral modifications. Not applicable.

    In summary, urinary retention is the inability to voluntarily empty the bladder, while urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine due to the loss of bladder control.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.