Urinary retention is the inability to completely or partially empty the bladder. When you have this condition you may be unable to start urination or if you are able to start you can’t fully empty your bladder. You’re suffering from urinary retention if you experience the following symptoms: Difficulty starting to urinate Difficulty fully emptying the bladder Weak dribble or stream of urine Increased abdominal pressure Lack of urge to urinate Strained efforts to push urine out of the bladder Frequent urination Nocturia (waking up more than two times at night to urinate) What causes urinary retention? Urinary retention is