Published on: 5/21/2025
What are the reasons for incomplete bladder emptying?
Incomplete bladder emptying can be caused by problems with the bladder muscle not working well or blockages in the urinary tract.
Explanation
Incomplete bladder emptying happens when the bladder does not empty all the way. This can be due to a few different reasons.
Bladder Muscle Problems: Sometimes, the bladder muscle, called the detrusor, does not contract strongly enough to push all the urine out. This is known as detrusor underactivity.
Blockages: There can be blockages in the urinary tract, like an enlarged prostate in men, that make it hard for urine to flow out.
Nerve Issues: If the nerves that tell the bladder to contract are not working right, the bladder might not empty completely.
These problems can make it feel like you need to go to the bathroom often, or you may have trouble starting to urinate. It is important to talk to a doctor if you have these symptoms, as they can help figure out what is causing the problem and how to treat it. The treatment will depend on what is causing the incomplete emptying.
(References)
- Yoshimura N, & Chancellor MB. (2004). Differential diagnosis and treatment of impaired bladder .... Reviews in urology, 16985851.
- Aldamanhori R, & Chapple CR. (2017). Underactive bladder, detrusor underactivity, definition .... Current opinion in urology, 28221218.
- Chaikin DC, & Blaivas JG. (2001). Voiding dysfunction: definitions. Current opinion in urology, 11429500.
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