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How is non-obstructive retention different from retention caused by an enlarged prostate?

By Advanced Urology · November 10, 2026

How is non-obstructive retention different from retention caused by an enlarged prostate?

Key points

In prostate-related retention, tissue blocks the urine channel, and procedures that open it can help. In non-obstructive retention, there's no blockage.

What to know

The bladder muscle or its nerves aren't working right. Bladder testing tells them apart, which matters because treatments differ.

When to get seen

If you can't empty well, schedule a visit for testing.

At our Dallas Clinic

At our Dallas Clinic, Building 100 on Charles Hardy Parkway, Daniel Roberson, PA-C, looks forward to seeing you. If testing in Dallas points to a procedure, one of our urologists performs it in Marietta.

Request an appointment at Advanced Urology.

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Evaluation at our Dallas Clinic

Paulding County patients who have trouble emptying can start with Daniel Roberson, PA-C, at our Dallas Clinic. A quick bladder scan after you void shows how much urine stays behind, and a urine test checks for infection. He'll ask about diabetes, back problems, past surgery and medicines that can affect the bladder.

Sorting out the cause

Obstructive retention means something blocks the outflow, most often an enlarged prostate in men. Non-obstructive retention means the bladder muscle or its nerves aren't squeezing well, which can follow diabetes, spinal problems or some medicines. Urodynamic testing helps tell them apart. Prostate procedures and InterStim, which can help some people with non-obstructive retention, are performed by our urologists in Marietta.

Seek care right away if

  • You can't pass urine at all
  • Fever or chills come with retention
  • Back pain comes with leg weakness or numbness

Common questions

Common questions

Will I need to use a catheter?

Some people need one for a while, either a catheter that stays in or one passed several times a day and then removed. If you need it, our team teaches you how at the office.

Can medicines cause retention?

Yes. Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, some antihistamines and antidepressants, and opioid pain medicines can all make it harder to empty. Bring your full medicine list, including over-the-counter cold remedies.

Dallas, Hiram and Rockmart residents can phone (678) 344-8900.

If a catheter is needed for a time, our Dallas team can help with supplies, teaching and changes, and we'll set a date to recheck whether the bladder is emptying better.

Questions are welcome at any point.

More to read

Where can I go from here?

Start with the condition page, then call or book online whenever you are ready.

Videos from Advanced Urology

#011 - Bladder Health: The Silent Consequences of an Enlarging Prostate What the video covers: Going by its title, podcast #011 looks at quiet, long-term effects a growing prostate can have on the bladder. Watch on YouTube

Videos play here from Advanced Urology’s YouTube channel, using YouTube’s privacy-enhanced mode.

Questions after reading this? Our offices in Marietta, Canton, Dallas and Jasper share one phone line and one caring team.

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