Urinary Retention Treatment: Specialists in NYC

by Alex Shteynshlyuger MD


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-4151.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients.  Find out our office hours or directions to our office

We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.


Urgent Care for Retention of Urine (Inability to Urinate) in Men and Women

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer urgent same-day and next-day evaluation and treatment for symptoms of urinary retention.   If you are experiencing difficulty passing urine and feel incomplete bladder emptying, you need to see a board-certified experienced urologist as you may have retention of urine in the bladder.

At New York Urology Specialists, our center is fully equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment, including digital cystoscopy, in-office bladder ultrasound, and automated urinalysis to assist us in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary retention. We are able to offer more than 95% of treatments for urinary retention on the spot in our office.  In rare circumstances, we will refer you to an affiliated hospital or surgical center if a surgical treatment that cannot be performed in the office settings is necessary. 

We offer medical treatment, urinary catheterization, treatment for urinary stricture disease, BPH, and other causes of urinary retention.  We also remove and change urethral Foley catheters and suprapubic catheters. In-home catheter changes are available.

We are able to help many of our patients to get rid of urethral Foley catheters through the problem-directed treatment of the underlying problem.

What is Urinary Retention?

Urinary retention refers to the inability to empty the urinary bladder completely.  Some people are able to urinate but do not empty their bladder completely. Often, more urine is ‘retained’ in the bladder than urinated out. Some people with urinary retention are unable to urinate at all and require catheterization to empty their bladder.

There are 2 types of urinary retention: non-obstructive urinary retention and urinary retention caused by blockage or obstruction.  In some patients, urinary retention may be caused by a combination of obstruction and non-obstructive urinary retention.

Non-obstructive urinary retention can occur in men or women of all ages.  Typically non-obstructive urinary retention is caused by poor functioning of bladder muscles or nerves that control bladder emptying. Sometimes this may be caused by neuropathy, medications, or for unknown reasons.

Obstructive urinary retention is much more common and is caused by blockage of urine flow. In men, the most common cause of blockage is enlarged prostate or urethral stricture. In women, urinary retention can be caused by pelvic masses, large fibroids, or pelvic floor prolapse (cystocele, uterine prolapse).

Where to Get Treatment for Urinary Retention in NYC?

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer same-day treatment of urinary retention for men and women.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.

Call/text today: 1-646-663-4151 or make an appointment online.  

We perform Interstim sacral neuromodulation, bladder tumor removal, slings for urinary incontinence, Botox for OAB, artificial urinary sphincter.  We offer treatment for bladder stones, urinary retention, frequent urination, kidney stones, urinary incontinence, painful urination, prostatitis, frequent UTI, and pelvic pain. We treat sexual and erection problems and offer comprehensive STD testing for infections. We offer confidential appointments.

Our appointment costs are affordable with or without insurance.  We offer free insurance verification.

We perform cystoscopy, pelvic sonogram, and bladder ultrasound in our office.  We offer Botox for bladder control, Urolift procedure, Rezum water-vapor procedure in our office.   We treat urinary and erection problems. We offer confidential appointments.

Urinary Retention may be Partial or Complete.

Partial urinary retention occurs when the urinary bladder empties only partially after urination.  Bladder ultrasound can determine the post-void residual (PVR) volume of the urine left in the bladder after urination. Usually, the post-void residual testing is performed in combination with the uroflow (uroflowmetry) test to determine the speed of urine flow.

Complete urinary retention occurs when the bladder does not empty at all or empties minimally with a large amount of urine left over.   A patient may not be able to urinate at all despite having an urge to pee and pain in the bladder. Some patients may be urinating small amounts of urine frequently, but the bladder may hold greater than 500 ml or as much as 1000-2000 mL of urine.  Complete urinary retention is a dangerous condition that may affect kidney function, predispose to urinary tract infections and cause blood in the urine.

Sometimes patients may be incontinent due to overflow urinary retention.  In this situation, the bladder becomes so full that the urinary sphincter muscle that normally keeps one from leaking urine gets over-powered, and urine leaks through as an overflowing river goes through a dam. 

Symptoms of Urinary Retention

Unable to UrinateOccasionally, urinary retention may be minimally symptomatic. Commonly urinary retention symptoms include lower abdominal discomfort, an urgency to urinate, a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, pressure, and pain.

Frequent urination may be a sign of urinary retention. With complete urinary retention, you may feel that your bladder is full and you need to urinate but unable to pass urine. Slow urine stream and waking up at night to urinate may also be signs of urinary retention or incomplete bladder emptying. Blood in urine and frequent UTI may also be caused by urinary retention.

What is the Normal Amount of Urine that Can be Left in the Bladder after Urination?

The amount of urine left in the urinary bladder after peeing depends on the age and sex of the patient. Some medications and medical problems such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis may affect how well the bladder empties.  To some extent, the amount of urine present in the bladder prior to urination also affects how much is left at the end of urination.  Normal bladder capacity is around 500 ml (16 oz) but varies.  A bladder diverticulum can cause an elevated amount of post-void residual in the bladder.

What Happens When the Bladder Does Not Empty Completely?

For the purposes of explanation, let’s assume that the amount the urinary bladder can hold is normal, with a normal bladder capacity of around 500 ml (16 oz).  If a patient has incomplete bladder emptying with 150 ml (5 oz) left in the bladder after urination, that means that 30% of the bladder  (150 ml left / 500 ml capacity) is filled already right after they have urinated. As a result, the time they have to fill the bladder (the time until they get the urge to pee again) is shorter by 30%.  A patient will have frequent urination and possibly a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.

If bladder capacity is also small, for example, if the bladder can only hold 300 ml (10 oz), and post-void residual is 150 ml (5 oz), then the bladder empties only half-way (150 ml / 300 ml capacity), and this may be one of the reasons people with incomplete bladder emptying have a frequent urge to urinate.  Patients with small bladder capacity and incomplete bladder emptying usually feel an urge to pee and frequent urination

Younger patients should not have any urine left in the bladder after urination or a minimal amount.  In general, women should also have minimal to no urine left; in older women, up to 50 mL (1.5 oz) of urine may be acceptable.  UTI can increase the amount of residual urine in the bladder.  It is best to test for post-void residual once UTI symptoms have resolved.  

In older men, in general, a larger postvoid residual may be acceptable.  Certainly, a postvoid residual greater than  50-75 ml can affect the urinary function and is an indicator of underlying bladder problems.

Causes of Urinary Retention

The causes of urinary retention differ in men and women. The following are common causes of urinary retention in both men and women:

Urinary Retention in Women

In women, especially younger women, most commonly, causes of urinary retention are related to neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or medications.  

In older women, bladder outlet obstruction from pelvic organ prolapse, such as a cystocele, and uterine prolapse, can lead to urinary tract obstruction and urinary retention.  Neurological problems such as spinal cord injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis can also lead to urinary retention in women.  Occasionally cervical cancer or prior radiation to the pelvis can cause urethral obstruction and urinary retention.

Urinary Retention in Men

Urinary Foley catheterUrinary retention is much more common in men than in women. The causes of urinary retention in men include most of the causes of urinary retention in women, including neurological problems such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke, and medications.  

In addition, in men especially starting around age 45-50,  urinary retention tends to be caused by enlarged prostate due to BPH, prostate swelling due to infection, or poorly functioning bladder.

Treatment Options for Urinary Retention In New York

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer advanced innovative treatment options for urinary retention in men and women.

Did you know? Dr. Shteynshlyuger has performed over 1,000 bladder, kidney, penile, and prostate surgeries, including Interstim sacral neuromodulation, bladder tumor removal, slings for urinary incontinence, Botox for OAB, artificial urinary sphincter, Urolift, and prostate enucleation.  He performs 150-200 surgeries a year.

Read Real Stories of Men and Women who Underwent Treatment for Urinary Problems at New York Urology Specialists.

Read RealStories:  Frequent UTI and bladder pain in a 43-year-old woman.

Read RealStories:  Frequent urination and slow urine stream in a 49-year-old man. 

Read RealStories:  Pain with urination and after ejaculation for 1 year in a 36-year-old man.

Read RealStories:  32-year-old woman with a constant need to urinate and urinary leakage.

Cost of Urinary Retention Treatment without Insurance

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs. 

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer flat-fee, ‘all-costs-included’ procedures such as cystoscopy, bladder biopsy, urodynamic studies, bladder ultrasound, Botox for bladder problems, and many more.  The procedures are performed in our office under local anesthesia or sedation. Men and women from other states can save thousands of dollars over local hospital fees by coming to New York Urology Specialists for treatment.  Please contact us for current prices and discounts for patients without insurance or with high insurance deductibles.

Cost of Treatment and Insurances

Inexpensive Urologist Visit Cost At New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment for men and women. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs. 

We accept many health insurance plans.  We would be happy to verify your eligibility and benefits and provide you with detailed information on your health plan’s coverage.  Financing options and credit options are available to help you pay for medical care.

Why Choose New York Urology Specialists for Urinary Retention?

  • All treatment is performed by a board-certified urologist experienced in treating men and women with symptoms of frequent urination, urge to pee,  urinary incontinence, UTI, and other urinary problems using medical therapy, minimally invasive therapies, lasers, and surgery.  
  • We are one of the few practices in the region to offer a full range of options for treating urinary problems, erection problems in men, and sexual problems in women.
  • We offer treatment options for frequent urination, overactive bladder, bladder pain, pelvic pain, and prostatitis in our office.  Office procedures avoid the risks, costs, and recovery from general anesthesia.  
  • We offer diagnostic testing in our office, which avoids hospital costs.
  • Extensive experience: Thousands of men and women have been treated successfully with Botox injections for frequent urination, tibial nerve neuromodulation, Interstim sacral neuromodulation, bladder stone removal, kidney stone lithotripsy, urethral sling, and artificial urinary sphincter.
  • Confidential and Understanding Care. We understand that most of our patients desire privacy.  We see patients with a variety of urological problems. Your reason for visiting us is entirely confidential.
  • We are conveniently located within a 30-60 minute commute to men and women seeking treatment for bladder control problems, enlarged prostate, bladder cancer, urinary, and cancer treatment in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, Bronx, and New Jersey.

What do Urinary Problems Look Like?

You can find pictures of urinary problems and before and after treatment images in our image gallery.

Scheduling Appointments for Urinary Retention Treatment at New York Urology Specialists


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-4151.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients.  Find out our office hours or directions to our office

We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.

Dr. Shteynshlyuger MD is a board-certified urologist in NYC who specializes in treating urinary problems in men and women.   He has performed hundreds of urethral, bladder, and kidney surgeries, including cystoscopy, Interstim sacral neuromodulation, bladder tumor removal, slings for urinary incontinence, Botox for OAB, artificial urinary sphincter, surgery for enlarged prostate, and many other procedures.  


Patients Reviews

Overall Rating:

5

Total Ratings

5

Total Reviews

35

Ratings

Ease of Appointment: Bedside Manner:
Promptness: Spends Time with Me:
Courteous Staff: Follows Up After Visit:
Accurate Diagnosis:

best urology doctor
by on Feb 14, 2021

Dr Alex Shteynshlyuger is the best urology doctor there is. He is attentive, analytical, knowledgeable and skillful. Very confidential with a masterfully professional staff. I would not hesitate in recommending Dr Shteynshlyuger to the world because I am a satisfied patient of his.

Very Pleased
by on Jan 21, 2021

Very Pleased, I couldn’t have asked for more from Dr. S as well as everyone in the office, The procedure and after was a dream with Dr. S. If you are on the fence, I can tell you, that you will love your experience with Dr. S

THEY TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY
by on Jan 11, 2021

THEY TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOU AND THEY TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY AND LOOK OUT FOR YOU

finally able to enjoy life again
by on Dec 16, 2020

Dr. Alex absolutely changed my life and restored my faith in doctors. When my condition first started I saw four different urologists over a period of about 6 months. All four either laughed me out of their office saying there’s nothing they could do to help, that my pain was normal, or prescribed me something that did not help or made everything worse. I prepared to live my life (22 years old now) with chronic pain that made participating in every day activities extremely difficult. Finally after getting the courage to start looking for new doctors again I found Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger and decided to give his office a call. I proceeded to see him shortly after my call, and now a few visits and months later I am finally able to enjoy life again. Dr. Alex took the time to do the tests that other doctors did not even mention. He took different approaches, gave well explained answers to all of my questions, and made me feel like there are some doctors who really do care. On top of all of that he has some of the most helpful and kind staff I have come across. I cannot stress enough how thankful I am for Dr. Alex!

No pain at all
by on Nov 25, 2020

This was a very fast and easy process. No pain at all and the job was very well done. He stays on top of your progress and helps to heal faster. I will definitely recommend Dr Alex at all times!!!

Great place
by on Nov 09, 2020

Very friendly staff, A great experience from the front desk to seeing the doctor. Dr.Shteynshlyuger is very professional and makes you comfortable when you’re in the room. He answers every question with detail. Great place..

I am very happy with this doctor.
by on Aug 12, 2020

I am very happy with this doctor. He is very patient and he understood all my problems. He also answered my questions and gave me some good advice.

very friendly staff
by on Apr 12, 2020

excellent doctor and all very friendly staff

2 years free of any UTI
by on Apr 09, 2020

This urologist has helped me for my constant UTI’s He gave me a few tests, diagnosed the problem and now I’m 2 years free if any UTI. A kind, intelligent, caring doctor LucretiaLaMura

Doctor Shteynshlyuger provided me with the care I needed
by on Mar 11, 2020

The staff is very professional. Doctor Shteynshlyuger provided me with the care I needed. The wait, visits, and instructions were brief. I followed his instructions and my issue was resolved. As a patient exercise patience. Follow the instructions and be honest about your condition and what you hope to accomplish be visiting. Thanks again Doctor.

Patient review
by on Jan 24, 2020

Thank you doc !!!
by on Aug 14, 2019

Great doctor, good bedside manner and always felt comfortable talking to him and the staff. Great location and affordable prices. Thank you doc !!!

What went well

Appointment scheduling Office environment Staff friendliness Appointment wasn't rushed Listened & answered questions Explained conditions well Trusted the provider's decisions

Office very convenient location
by on Aug 13, 2019

Office very convenient location Don’t have to wait for long Staff very friendly Dr shteynshyuer very experienced I had my serviced done in 3 visits now I feel good now Than you Dr. shteynhlyuger

Review
by on Jul 15, 2019

I was very satisfied with the rezum surgery.

Outstanding
by on Jul 09, 2019

Went in for a procedure with Dr. Alex and he was very calm and thorough about the the operation and the recovery. From the front desk to his assistants, everyone was very courteous, professional and polite. I highly recommend NY Urologist Specialist. They are outstanding!!!

Care at NY Urology Specialists
by on Jul 06, 2019

I am a 54 year-old male who is extremely happy with my care at New York Urology Specialists. I came to see Dr. Alex out of near desperation after consulting with three other urologists. Literally over one night, I began experiencing severe penile pain and burning. None of the other urologists were able to help diagnose what my problem was and seemingly didn't take my problem very seriously. In fact, one of them specifically told me at it had nothing to do with my prostate. After 6 weeks of suffering, I saw Dr. Alex. He examined me and gave me some tests and lab work. He very quickly ascertained that my problem was due to an enlarged prostate. He proscribed medicine to deal with my pain in the short-term and keep my prostate size in check over the long-term. My problem quickly disappeared. Today, 5 years later, I feel great. Dr, Alex listens to you as a patient, takes your opinion and health concerns seriously and knows his field inside-and-out so that you can get proper treatment for your problem. I can't thank him enough for diagnosing and solving my malady - you sometimes can't appreciate a problem until you have it. Getting rid of it and getting back to normal is so important - I am so glad that I saw Dr. Alex for my problem.

Highly grateful
by on Jun 18, 2019

Dr. Shteynshlyuger is a very patient, understanding and caring doctor. I came to take opinion on my father’s treatment going on in my home country. Highly satisfied from his responses. He even responded to so many of my queries through patient portal . Highly grateful.

Great follow ups
by on Mar 17, 2019

Overall, I am happy with the services provided by Dr. Alex and his office staff. They are second to none when regarding follow-ups and getting back to you promptly, which is definitely not always the case with specialists. Furthermore, living abroad, he has offered to continue to treat me via skype and through email, which has been hugely helpful considering the medical care where I live is not as comprehensive as in the United States.

Review
by on Jan 28, 2019

Absolutely amazing!

My experience
by on Nov 08, 2018

I had a Rezum procedure done a couple of months ago and now my symptoms have improved and quality of life has significantly changed. The Doctor and staff are excellent and I am very satisfied with the services - the surgery and post care. Would highly recommend Dr. Shteynshlyuger.

Rezum procedure
by on Oct 24, 2018

I have been a patient of another Urologist for years, with no positive results. Then I learned about Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger through a TV newscast. I immediately decided to have a consultation with him. Best decision I ever made!!! Dr. Alex performed the Rezum procedure and has literally changed my life. I highly recommend Dr. Alex and his staff to anyone who wants the most caring, capable and result oriented urological medical care. Thumbs up to Dr. Alex and staff!!!!!!!!!

Friendly , courteous, effiecient and professional
by on Sep 15, 2018

Wyts Wyts recommends New York Urology Specialists via Facebook. September 15, 2018 · Friendly , courteous, effiecient and professional staff members. This office i highly recommend for any and all Urology matters. Dr Alex Shteynshlyuger is very professional and knowledgable easy to communicate with. Thanks Dr Alex

Review
by on Aug 16, 2018

Outstanding service

A very good doctor
by on Aug 15, 2018

Dr. Alex Shteynshlyugerand is careful, patient, experienced. Uses innovative approaches, that actually yield results. He is indeed a good doctor, in every sense

urology services
by on Apr 11, 2018

I am very satisfied with the treatment I received at new york urology specialist and would recommend them to other patients.they are the very best.

Review
by on Nov 19, 2017

I am writing to thank dr. Alex. He is thorough, professional, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. I have seen him for ED and prostate issues, and he has explained all my options clearly, and found solutions that have been a great help. thank you! I highly recommend both Dr. Alex and his staff, which I find to be helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and very professional. They are a pleasure to deal with and all have been a great help.

Dr visit
by on Sep 14, 2017

I am very much thankful for meeting Dr Alex .I had a very serious medical problem I visited many doctors but none could not help me it was very difficult for me until I visited Dr Alex after a couple visits my medical problem is no more I feel very great also I felt almost 20 years younger Dr Alex is second to none fantastic doctor. Thanks again Dr Alex from my family.

Urination problem
by on Aug 25, 2017

Thank you New York Urology Specialists for helping with my problem. The doctor and the staff are great!

Worth the wait
by on Nov 15, 2014

I went to see Dr. Shteynshlyuger for a second opinion about a urinary problem after having a continuing issue for many months that wasn\'t getting better. He seemed very knowledgeable. I highly recommend him. Cons: If you\'re not the first patient the wait can be LONG.

Excellent doctor
by on Jul 03, 2014

I am feeling better now after visiting clinic New York urology specialists. Excellent staff and appointment on time.

Thank you
by on Jul 03, 2014

Since starting the [medications], my cramps and burning have mostly gone. The biggest benefit is my leaking has been reduced to the lowest amount in almost 10 years.

My cramps and burning are gone
by on May 23, 2013

Dear Dr. Alex – Since starting the [treatment], my cramps and burning have mostly gone. The biggest benefit is my leaking has been reduced to the lowest amount in almost 10 years. Charles M. Date: 2013

Thank you for excellent care
by on Jan 07, 2013

Dear Dr. Alex: We want to thank you for the excellent care you provided for George during his emergency operation and the follow up treatment. Your quiet, confident manner was reassuring to us during a very scary time for us. We will never forget you. George Sally R. Date: 2013

We appreciate all that you did to help my dad
by on Sep 17, 2012

Dear Dr. Alex – I just wanted to write you a note to thank you for all of the care you have gave to my father during his illness. We appreciate all that you did to help my dad through his illness. We wanted to be sure to let you know how much it meant to us. Sincerely Joanne R.

We love you!
by on Feb 16, 2012

Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger and Staff – Thank you so much for taking care of my husband Bob. Dr. Alex: I thank God everyday for you. You were an answer to prayer.

Urinary Problem Treatment for Men and Women With Fast Recovery at New York Urology Specialists

Excellence-Urology_Care-banner2At New York Urology Specialists, our urologists are specially trained in evaluating and treating bladder and prostate problems in men and women’s health concerns, including sexual problems and urinary problems.  We understand the challenges that urinary and sexual problems create for our patients, their relationships, and their self-esteem.  We help you find a treatment for bladder control problems that fit your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

Urologists are doctors specializing in treating men and women with urinary problems and sexual problems, including bladder leakage problems, urge to pee, incomplete bladder emptying, and frequent urination. By virtue of our experience and skill, we can offer an effective treatment option for nearly every man and woman who desires an effective treatment for any problem that affects the urinary tract.  We offer medical and surgical treatment for urinary and sexual problems.

We Treat Some of the Most Complex Urinary Problems Including:

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Shteynshlyuger:

Call/text today: 1-646-663-4151 or make an appointment online

Dr. Shteynshlyuger is a fellowship-trained board-certified urologist with expertise in evaluating and treating urinary and bladder problems in men and women.  He uses modern, effective, and proven treatment methods.  We offer cystoscopy, urodynamics, bladder sonogram, and treatment for bladder incontinence. We perform procedures such as Botox for OAB, Interstim neuromodulation, Rezum for BPH, prostate enucleation for enlarged prostate, bladder tumor removal, and Urolift procedure.  

He has successfully treated hundreds of men and women with symptoms of frequent urination during the day and excessive urination at night.

He is highly recommended by top primary care physicians in the New York area. If you or someone you know has been experiencing urological symptoms, make an appointment to take advantage of Dr. Shteynshlyuger’s expert advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-4151.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients.  Find out our office hours or directions to our office

We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.

 

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