Dr. Karen Makartchian, a urologist, points out that nocturnal urinary retention is common, especially among the elderly or those who prefer to avoid waking up during the night.
The doctor warns that ignoring the urge to urinate at night can lead to serious consequences for the health of the urinary system.
He said: "The bladder is designed to store between 400 and 600 ml of urine, but frequent overflow weakens its elasticity and muscle strength. This leads to weakness of the detrusor muscle, the main muscle responsible for emptying the bladder, which over time may cause chronic urinary retention, urinary incontinence, or the need for a catheter."
He added that urinary retention is a major risk factor for cystitis and pyelonephritis because bacteria that enter the bladder multiply actively in stagnant fluid. In women, a shorter urethra exacerbates this risk. Furthermore, holding urine for extended periods overnight increases the likelihood of infection spreading, especially in those with underlying urinary tract conditions.
He explained that the concentration of salts in stagnant urine promotes crystallization and the formation of stones in the kidneys or bladder, as the duration of contact of salts with the bladder lining increases the chances of stone formation, especially in individuals suffering from metabolic disorders or dehydration.
He pointed out that chronic bladder congestion in men can exacerbate the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lead to prostate congestion, increasing the risk of prostatitis. In women, the constant pressure from a full bladder can affect the pelvic organs and impair blood circulation, contributing to chronic pelvic pain.
According to him, the frequency of nighttime urination can be reduced by reasonably limiting fluid intake two to three hours before bedtime, with the warning that completely abstaining from drinking water in the evening may lead to dehydration and increased urine concentration, which may irritate the bladder lining and contribute to the formation of stones.
The doctor recommends that anyone suffering from frequent nighttime urination (more than twice a night) consult a specialist to determine the cause, as it may be due to a systemic disease or a local disorder in the urinary tract.
