Urinary Retention (Acute)

Management of inability to pass urine.

Reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP (General Practitioner)
Last reviewed: 21 October 2025
UrologyEmergency Medicine

Clinical Guidelines

BNF: Urinary retention - Treatment summaries
National
CKS: LUTS in men - Urinary retention
National
EAU Guidelines on Urological Infections
National
European Association of Urology Guidelines on Urological Emergencies
National
NICE guideline [NG180]
National
NICE guideline CG97: Lower urinary tract symptoms in men: management
National
Guidelines for Intermittent Catheterisation in Children (ESPU-Nurses)
Local
NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary: LUTS in men – Scenario: Urinary retention
Local
NICE guideline [NG131]: Lower urinary tract symptoms in men: management
Local
Treatment of Urinary Retention (NIDDK/NIH)
Local
Urinary Retention in Adults: Evaluation and Initial Management (AAFP/AFP)
Local