Urinary Retention Clinic in Birmingham

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Urinary retention is a medical condition characterised by the inability to empty the bladder completely. It can be either acute or chronic and may result from various underlying causes. In acute urinary retention, the sudden and painful inability to urinate occurs, requiring immediate medical attention. Chronic urinary retention is a long-term condition where the bladder doesn't empty properly over time. At our private clinic in Birmingham, we understand the sensitivity of this issue, and your privacy is of utmost importance to us.

Many individuals choose to endure urinary retention issues in silence due to societal misconceptions, but it's crucial to recognise that most forms can be effectively managed or corrected. Our dedicated team is here to provide confidential and compassionate care, ensuring that you feel comfortable addressing and resolving any concerns related to urinary incontinence.

What is Urinary Retention? 

Urinary retention is a condition characterised by the inability to completely empty the bladder, leading to the build-up of urine. This can occur suddenly (acute urinary retention) or gradually (chronic urinary retention). The inability to urinate can result from various causes, and the implications of leaving urinary retention untreated can be significant.

What Happens in Urinary Retention:

  • Bladder Distension: The inability to empty the bladder results in the gradual stretching of the bladder walls.
  • Increased Pressure: As the urine accumulates, the pressure within the bladder rises, which can cause discomfort and pain. 
  • Back Flow of Urine: In severe cases, the pressure may cause urine to flow backwards into the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney damage and kidney function problems in a small number of cases.
  • Increased Risk of Infections: Stagnant urine in the bladder provides a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections.

What Causes Urinary Retention?

The causes of urinary retention include:

  • Obstruction: Blockages in the urinary tract, such as an enlarged prostate in men or tumours, can impede the flow of urine.
  • Nerve Problems: Conditions like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or nerve damage from diabetes can affect the nerves controlling bladder function.
  • Weak Bladder Muscles: Weakened bladder muscles may be unable to contract effectively to expel urine.
  • Infections: Infections, such as urinary tract infections, can cause inflammation and disrupt normal bladder function.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, or some antidepressants, can contribute to urinary retention.

The Symptoms and Implications

Symptoms of urinary retention may include a frequent urge to urinate, difficulty initiating urination, weak or interrupted urine stream, a sense of incomplete emptying, and abdominal discomfort. If left untreated, urinary retention can lead to:

  • Infections: Persistent urinary retention can lead to recurrent urinary tract infections, which may ascend to the kidneys, causing more severe health issues.
  • Kidney Damage: Backflow of urine into the kidneys can lead to hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidneys), kidney damage, and potentially kidney failure if left untreated.
  • Bladder Damage: Chronic retention may result in weakened bladder muscles and reduced bladder capacity over time.
  • Pain and Discomfort: As the bladder distends, it can cause significant pain and discomfort.
  • Reduced Quality of Life: The symptoms of urinary retention, such as the constant urge to urinate and difficulty voiding, can significantly impact a person's quality of life and daily activities.

Treating Urinary Retention

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve addressing the obstruction, managing nerve-related issues, or prescribing medications to improve bladder function. In severe cases, catheterisation may be necessary to relieve the retention and allow urine to drain from the bladder. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management if you suspect urinary retention. Untreated urinary retention can lead to serious complications and compromise the health of the urinary and renal systems.

When you book an appointment with our specialist, they will carry out a thorough assessment of your symptoms and medical history, as well as conduct a physical examination and relevant diagnostic tests to confirm your urinary retention. 

Our Urinary Retention Consultations

The process can vary for adults and children, and it's essential to consider age-specific factors.

Urinary Retention Appointments for Adults

Our adult appointments can involve:

  • Symptom Assessment: An evaluation of common symptoms such as a weak or hesitant urinary stream, incomplete bladder emptying, difficulty initiating urination, frequent urination, or a sense of urgency. Any pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis will be investigated.
  • Medical History: All information about pre-existing medical conditions, medications, surgical history, or recent trauma that could contribute to urinary issues will be collated.
  • Physical Examination: A physical examination will be conducted, including a thorough abdominal and genital examination, to check for signs of swelling, masses, or abnormalities.
  • Bladder Scan or Ultrasound: If required, the use of non-invasive techniques like bladder ultrasound or a portable bladder scan may be used to measure post-void residual (PVR) volume, which can indicate incomplete bladder emptying.
  • Urinalysis: A urinalysis may be performed to identify signs of infection, blood, or other abnormalities.
  • Urodynamic Studies: In some cases, urodynamic studies may be conducted to assess bladder function and identify the cause of urinary retention.
  • Cystoscopy: If necessary, cystoscopy may be recommended to directly visualise the inside of the bladder and urethra, allowing for the detection of structural abnormalities, blockages, or other issues.

Urinary Retention Appointments for Children

If parents are observing symptoms such as frequent bedwetting, pain during urination, or a distended abdomen in younger children, then we recommend arranging an appointment.

Our paediatric  appointments can involve:

  • Medical History: All information on the child's overall health, birth history, and any developmental concerns that might impact urinary function will be collated and considered.
  • Physical Examination: A careful examination of the abdomen, genitalia, and neurological status is crucial in assessing urinary retention in children.
  • Bladder Ultrasound: Non-invasive techniques, like bladder ultrasound, may also be used to measure PVR in children as well.
  • Urinalysis: Similar to adults, urinalysis can help identify signs of infection or other abnormalities. In certain cases, this may be required.
  • Voiding Diary: In older children, maintaining a voiding diary may be recommended as these can provide valuable information about urinary habits.

Our Private Cystoscopy Service

Cystoscopy is a diagnostic procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera (cystoscope) is inserted into the urethra and advanced into the bladder. It allows for a direct visualisation of the bladder's interior. Cystoscopy is a valuable tool to identify structural abnormalities, tumours, or other issues that might contribute to urinary retention. For more detailed information on cystoscopy, refer to our dedicated page.

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Prices

Urology Consultation

£265

(30 min)

Flexible Cystoscopy

£1200

(50 min)

How Does the Urinary System Work?

The urinary system, or renal system, is vital for maintaining bodily homeostasis by regulating water, electrolytes, and other substances. Comprising the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, this system filters blood through nephrons, removing waste and producing urine. Filtration occurs in capillaries, with blood pressure pushing water, salts, and waste into nephrons. Reabsorption of essential substances and secretion of certain elements happen in renal tubules. The remaining fluid becomes urine, transported to the bladder by ureters. The bladder stores urine until expulsion through the urethra. The process ensures fluid and electrolyte balance, contributing to overall physiological stability.

Meet Our Urology Consultant

Meet Mr Rupesh Bhatt

Mr Rupesh Bhatt, a distinguished Consultant Urological Surgeon, brings his expertise in uro-oncology and laparoscopic urology to our clinic in the West Midlands. With substantial training and a noteworthy stint at the prestigious Christie Hospital, he is highly sought after for complex cases and second opinions. His proficiency in kidney cancer surgery was prominently featured in the BBC TV series "Surgeons: At the Edge of Life: Last Chance Saloon." Holding a doctorate in prostate cancer stem cells, Mr Bhatt boasts numerous publications and awards, actively contributes to national committees and guidelines, and extends compassionate and innovative care with effective communication. Patients nationwide seek his consultations, and his practice encompasses vasectomy, vasectomy reversal, and circumcision, catering to a broad geographical area.

Trust Midland Health

If you're grappling with a urological condition, prompt expert advice is essential. Our private urology clinic in Birmingham ensures you won't endure a lengthy wait for an appointment or require a GP referral to consult a specialist. With flexible appointment scheduling, we prioritise your care from the moment you book with us until you conclude your treatment. Our dedicated team is equipped to address any concern, providing outstanding patient-centric care.

Benefits of Choosing Us:

  • Swift consultation appointments
  • Expertise and experience of our in-house urologist
  • Bypass waiting lists and GP referrals
  • State-of-the-art medical clinic with advanced equipment
  • Exceptional patient-first care

What Our Patients Say About Us

402 Total Reviews

Average Rating 4.4

Five star review

Great, professional service as always at Midland Health.

T F | 28th Sep 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

Dr. Pav Dhesi is really amazing and caring :)

Cecília Álvares | 21st Sep 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

Thank you Dr Rupa Parmar you have been an amazing attentive person and I feel comfortable to discuss matters with you in your clinic and feel you are very knowledgeable and can provide solutions for my needs that I’ve come...

Pammy Bains | 21st Sep 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

Fantastic!! Efficient service talking through process made my son feel comfortable most of all cleaned out his ears safely and to the best of ability.

Saima SARWAR | 18th Sep 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

Second time here, all the staff are lovely and felt very welcomed at reception by Dia And health care assistants Vee Emily and Jo

Jaycoxhair | 9th Sep 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

I saw Dr Sam Smith (gastroenterologist) at this practice. The information on the website was clear and helpful and making an appointment was easy.The practice is nice and modern and the admin staff were polite, kind and helpful, both on...

simone bacchini | 4th Sep 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

This has been the best service I have received in my life. I am so grateful for the support I’ve gotten, it has been life saving. Thank you again !

Nafizah Bi farooq | 30th Aug 2025

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Five star review

Have used the services of Midland Health in two of their sites as I needed a Medical examinantion (and innoculations) to support a work permit application. The process has taken approximately 10 weeks fdrom start to finish and at all...

Sean OB | 26th Aug 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

I had an appointment with Ms Fidan Bayli and was very pleased with the experience. She was very welcoming and gentle, and the examination never felt uncomfortable or rushed. I could truly feel her professionalism throughout the consultation. She gave...

Анна Гаджиева | 19th Aug 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

Had a excellent service top notch I recommended anyone ear wax removal

Ahmed Mohamed | 15th Aug 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

I have had two appointments with Dr Sam Smith, Gastroenterology and have been very happy with with my treatment and treatment plan, he was friendly and approachable which made me more comfortable to discuss any concerns. Overall very informative which has...

Romaine Sumner | 14th Aug 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

We recently saw Dr Prasad Nagakumar for a clinic appointment for our daughter. He was very professional and empathetic and listened to all our concerns and answered all our questions. The staff at Midland Health in Edgbaston clinic were fantastic...

Sally El-Ghazali | 12th Aug 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

I want to say a massive thank you to Dr Pav Hare for her outstanding service. I came in for an appointment, and she instantly put me at ease and started gathering an extensive history and my current concerns. Throughout...

Sahil | 9th Aug 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

Highly recommend Dr Kudlur. Excellent service and prompt diagnosis. He has been brilliant at articulating the problem in a way that is easy to understand and helpful in creating tools to best manage my condition. I have seen vast improvement...

Angus | 31st Jul 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

*I recently had a consultation with Dr. Dawson for my 4-month-old daughter, and I couldn’t be more grateful.** He is a highly qualified and understanding pediatrician, with a wonderfully caring approach to little ones. My baby was calm and relaxed...

Lesya Fedorovych | 28th Jul 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

I recently attended Midland Health for a full Health Assessment/Medical Examination required for work purposes, and I couldn't be more impressed with the service I received.Dr. Pav Dhesi (GP) was fantastic—she was attentive, thorough, and took the time to listen...

Sabrina A. Said | 18th Jun 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

Throughout multiple experiences over the past few months, the service has been consistently excellent. Appointment availability is remarkable – I'm always seen almost immediately, typically within a day or two at most.The GPs and consultants provide genuinely attentive care, listen...

Sibylle | 5th Jun 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

Excellent doctor sam

time lapse | 30th May 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

Midland Health has quite literally changed the course of my life.After years of struggling without answers, I finally took the step to get assessed for ADHD and ASD — and choosing Midland Health was the best decision I could have...

Unknown Reviewer | 27th May 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

We visited Midland Health last week for some peadiatric blood tests. I had read some of the negative reviews posted previously so was a little hesitant, however from our experience it could not have been any better.We were greeted on...

Melanie Lovegrove | 27th May 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

We are currently seeing Dr Rupa Parmar who has written up a personalised immunisation schedule for our baby daughter. Dr Parmar is excellent she's professional, listens, offers advice and genuinely cares. We are really pleased with the service we have...

Ellie Steer | 15th May 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

We took our 4 month old daughter due to rash from suspected allergies, as NHS GP appointment did not lead to answers/ referrals. An appointment was available for two days later at Midland Health. Her allergies were confirmed in one...

Laura Bains | 4th May 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

I had waited years on the NHS regarding my mild tongue tie. I had a frenectomy carried out by The NHS Coventry Hospital their maxilliofacial department, which was a bit of a fight to get as it seemed they considered...

Tasneem Abrahams | 29th Apr 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

Excellent, service Dr Kudlur was very kind and knowledgable and didn’t interrupt me (Which I think would have been reasonable as I overran our time!)

Tom Owens | 23rd Apr 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

From my personal experience, I am so grateful to be in a position where I was able to book a private assessment for diagnosing my ADHD with Dr Kudlur.Due to my circumstances, this prognosis required immediate action, whereas the NHS...

Jordan | 23rd Apr 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

Mine experience was very good 👍. Dr very nice and polite. She checked my son very well and he improved .

Sidra Ahmed | 15th Apr 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

Dr Naganna and the other members of the team were excellent when we attended with our daughter. They were thorough and answered all our questions. An excellent team and an excellent location

Kashini Andrew | 12th Apr 2025

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Five star review

I’ve had two treatments so far with Emma Conway, just want to say she is absolutely brilliant - still on the journey to achieve my results but she really makes an effort and cares, she provides great customer service even...

Saira M | 7th Apr 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

Received excellent and consistent support with no issues and I recommend the service fully.

Callum Peters | 30th Mar 2025

Midland Health

Five star review

Yes I was happy with my consultation

Sue Gardner | 28th Mar 2025

Midland Health

Our Birmingham Urinary Retention Clinic

Situated in Edgbaston, our private urologist operates from a well-equipped Birmingham clinic featuring six consultation rooms and modern facilities. Conveniently accessible by public transport, with bus services to Highfield Road and proximity to Five Ways Station, we also offer hassle-free parking for those arriving by car.

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