Prolonged postpartum urinary retention: the importance of asking the right questions at the right time

Abstract

The pathophysiology of postpartum urinary retention (PUR) is still unclear. The prevalence rate varies with the definition used and the literature discusses various risk factors. Bladder catheterization is the treatment of choice, but the best way to do it is not ascertained. Long-term sequelae seem to be rare. There are no widely accepted preventive measures. Our 2 cases illustrate that it is important to prevent PUR not only by avoiding the known risk factors, but also by additionally asking for signs of voiding dysfunction postpartum.