Acute urinary retention.

Urinary retention is most commonly caused by obstruction in men and neuromuscular dysfunction in women. A careful history, physical examination, and urethral catheterization will lead to the correct diagnosis in the majority of cases. For nonobstructive causes, a careful survey of the patient's other illnesses and medications will often lead to diagnosis. Successful treatment of nonobstructing causes can be effectively managed by the primary care physician.