Brazil has the largest Japanese-descended population outside Japan

 Yes — Japanese people did migrate to farm in Brazil, but mostly before World War II, with some continuing after the war. During the war itself, migration essentially stopped.

Here’s the clear timeline 👇

Before World War II (main period)

Started in 1908

Japan had population pressure, rural poverty, and limited land

Brazil needed farm labour after slavery was abolished (1888)

Japanese migrants were recruited mainly to work on coffee plantations

Many planned to stay temporarily, earn money, and return to Japan — but most ended up settling permanently.

By the late 1930s:

Brazil already had hundreds of thousands of Japanese immigrants

Many had moved from plantations to own small farms, growing:

Coffee

Cotton

Rice

Vegetables

During World War II (1939–1945)

Migration stopped

Brazil joined the Allies in 1942 and cut ties with Japan

Japanese Brazilians faced:

Travel restrictions

Language bans (no Japanese schools or newspapers)

Confiscation of radios

Social isolation and suspicion

They were not allowed to return to Japan during this period either.

After World War II

Migration resumed in the 1950s

Japan was devastated economically, so emigration restarted

New migrants again worked in agriculture, then gradually moved into:

Urban businesses

Industry

Education

Today

Brazil has the largest Japanese-descended population outside Japan

About 2 million people

Many are no longer farmers, but agriculture was the foundation of the community

In one sentence

Japanese migration to farm in Brazil happened mainly before WWII, paused during the war, and resumed after, eventually creating the world’s largest Japanese diaspora.

Iced Long Black coffee

 An Iced Long Black is a strong, refreshing coffee made by pouring a double shot of hot espresso over ice and cold water, preserving the rich crema for a bold, intense flavor, unlike an Iced Americano where water goes in first, resulting in a milder, more diluted drink. It's popular in Australia/NZ for a potent, cooling caffeine hit, offering a clean taste with deep aroma, perfect for those who enjoy strong coffee without milk. 

Key Characteristics

Preparation: Hot espresso (usually double shot) is poured over cold water and ice.

Flavor: Strong, bold, rich, and aromatic, retaining much of the espresso's crema.

Texture: Clean and crisp, with a pronounced layer of crema on top.

Difference from Iced Americano: An Americano adds espresso to cold water, diluting it more and dissipating the crema, making it milder.

Customization: Can be sweetened with syrup or made less intense by adding more water. 

In Simple Terms

Think of it as a chilled, potent version of a traditional Long Black (espresso over hot water), focusing on the pure, strong taste of the espresso in a cool, invigorating format.

 They’re almost the same drink, but the order of pouring and water ratio make a subtle difference.

Iced Long Black vs Iced Americano

Iced Long Black

Cold water + ice first

Hot espresso poured on top

Preserves more crema

Slightly stronger, bolder taste

Popular in Australia & New Zealand ☕🇦🇺

Iced Americano

Espresso first

Then cold water + ice added

Crema breaks more

Slightly smoother, more diluted taste

More common in the US/Europe

Why the order matters

Pouring espresso onto water (long black) protects oils and aroma

Pouring water onto espresso (Americano) disperses them faster

Taste difference is subtle but noticeable to regular coffee drinkers

Quick summary

Same ingredients ✅

Different pouring order 🔄

Long black = stronger, sharper

Americano = smoother, lighter

How To Make Easy Muesli

 Muesli checks all the boxes of a perfect weekday breakfast. You can make it in advance; it’s packed with whole grains, fiber, protein, and antioxidants; and it’s extremely versatile, both in how you make it and how you eat it. I like to make a big batch over the weekend to last throughout the week, which significantly speeds up my weekday morning routine. It’s toasty, nutty, chewy, and truly satisfying — finally, a breakfast that can hold me until lunch.

Quick Overview

A Basic Formula for Making Muesli

4 cups grains + 1 1/2 cups nuts/seeds + 1/2 cup dried fruit

Grains: Rolled oats, wheat bran, whole rye, whole barley, sorghum flakes, quinoa flakes, millet puffs, millet flakes.

Nuts/seeds: Sliced almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, pepitas, chia seeds, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, unsweetened coconut flakes.

Dried fruit: Dried apricots, dried cherries, dried figs, raisins, golden raisins, currants, apple chips.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s simple. Muesli is super easy to make. All you need to do is toast the grains, nuts, and seeds in the oven briefly to amp up their flavor, and then stir everything together and you’ve got breakfast ready to go for days to come.

It’s customizable. You can add a combination of your favorite varieties of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and other mix-ins to make your batch of muesli your own.

Key Ingredients in Muesli

Rolled oats. Avoid quick and steel-cut oats here as they won’t retain the right texture for muesli.

Wheat bran. Wheat bran is the outer layer of the wheat kernel. You can often find it in the bulk section of the grocery store or purchase it online.

Almonds. We like sliced almonds here for their texture, but you can substitute chopped.

Pecans. Coarsely chopped pecans add nutty flavor to the mix, but you can substitute another variety of nut, like walnuts or hazelnuts, if you prefer.

Pepitas. Pepitas are shelled pumpkin seeds. Raw and unsalted seeds are best for this recipe.

Unsweetened coconut flakes. These can sometimes be labeled “coconut chips,” “grated coconut,” or “dessicated coconut.” Avoid sweetened coconut flakes for this recipe.

Dried fruit. We call for dried apricots and cherries, but you can substitute other dried fruits like apples, mango, or dates.

Instructions

Show Images

1. Toast the grains, nuts, and seeds. Arrange 2 racks to divide the oven into thirds and heat to 350°F. Place the oats, wheat bran, salt, and cinnamon on a rimmed baking sheet; toss to combine; and spread into an even layer. Place the almonds, pecans, and pepitas on a second rimmed baking sheet; toss to combine; and spread into an even layer. Transfer both baking sheets to oven, placing oats on top rack and nuts on bottom. Bake until nuts are fragrant, 10 to 12 minutes.

   

2. Add the coconut. Remove the baking sheet with the nuts and set aside to cool. Sprinkle the coconut over the oats, return to the upper rack, and bake until the coconut is golden-brown, about 5 minutes more. Remove from oven and set aside to cool, about 10 minutes.

   

3. Transfer to a large bowl. Transfer the contents of both baking sheets to a large bowl.

   

4. Add the dried fruit. Add the apricots and cherries and toss to combine.

   

5. Transfer to an airtight container. Muesli can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.

   

6. Enjoy as desired. Enjoy as oatmeal, cereal, overnight oats, or with yogurt, topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, if desired.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Muesli can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Serving suggestions: To make overnight oats, combine equal parts muesli and milk or non-dairy milk (I prefer 2/3 cup of each) in a small lidded container (at this point I like to top mine with frozen blueberries, too). Refrigerate overnight and enjoy cold in the morning.

https://www.thekitchn.com/muesli-recipe-260252

+11

Yes, 

muesli is the widely used English name for a specific type of breakfast food. The word itself is a loanword that originated from Swiss German. 

Origin and Meaning

• Origin: Muesli was developed around 1900 by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner for patients in his hospital.
• Etymology: The word Müesli is a Swiss German diminutive of the word Mues, which means "mush" or "purée" in Standard German.
• Adoption: The term has been fully adopted into English and is found in major dictionaries. It is a common term in English-speaking countries, particularly in the UK and Australia, where it is a popular breakfast option. 

Description

Muesli is a cold dish, typically a loose mixture of untoasted dry ingredients, including: 

• Rolled oats (the primary ingredient)
• Other grains like wheat or rye flakes
• Nuts and seeds
• Dried or fresh fruits 

It is commonly prepared by mixing the dry ingredients with milk, yogurt, or fruit juice, and can be soaked overnight for a creamier consistency. 

Muesli vs. Granola

Muesli is often confused with granola, but the main difference is the preparation method: 

• Muesli is typically raw and unbaked, with any sweetness coming from fruits rather than added sugar or oil.
• Granola is baked with a sweetener (like honey or maple syrup) and oil to bind the ingredients together, giving it a crunchy texture. 

Urethral stricture

 

Urethral stricture means a narrowing of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body).

In simple words:

👉 Scar tissue forms inside the urine passage, making it tight or blocked.

---

What causes it?

• Past infection

• Injury or trauma

• Catheter use

• Previous surgery

• Inflammation

---

What problems can it cause?

• Weak or slow urine stream

• Difficulty starting urination

• Feeling that the bladder is not fully empty

• Dribbling after urination

• Urinary tract infections

---

How is it diagnosed?

• Endoscopy (cystoscopy) – camera to see the narrowing

• Urine flow tests

• Ultrasound to check leftover urine (post-void residual)

---

Why is it treated?

If untreated, it can lead to:

• Repeated infections

• Bladder damage

• Kidney problems (in severe cases)

----------------

Here’s a simple, clear overview of urethral stricture treatment options and how it’s different from prostate problems.

---

Treatment options for urethral stricture (general overview)

The treatment depends on how tight, how long, and where the narrowing is.

1. Urethral dilation

• The narrowed area is gently stretched

• Often done using thin medical instruments

• May need to be repeated

Used when: the stricture is short and mild

---

2. Endoscopic treatment (internal urethrotomy)

• Done using a small camera (endoscopy)

• The scar tissue is cut open from inside

• No large external cuts

Used when: stricture is short but tighter

---

3. Surgery (urethroplasty)

• Scarred section is repaired or removed

• Has the best long-term success

Used when: stricture is long, severe, or keeps coming back

---

4. Catheter (temporary)

• Helps urine drain if there is severe blockage

• Usually not a permanent solution

---

Difference: Urethral stricture vs prostate problem

Feature	Urethral Stricture	Prostate Enlargement
Age	Can happen at any age	Mostly older men
Cause	Scar tissue in urethra	Enlarged prostate gland
Test	Endoscopy, urine flow	Ultrasound, PSA
Location	Urine tube	Below bladder

---

Why treatment matters

If untreated, urethral stricture can cause:

• Repeated urine infections

• High post-void residual

• Bladder and kidney problems

1. Scar and “to straighten” in penis (medical meaning)

Scar in the penis

This usually means scar tissue has formed inside the penis or urethra (the tube that carries urine out).

Common medical reasons:

• Urethral stricture → a scar inside the urethra that narrows it

• Past infection, injury, catheter use, or surgery

Effects:

• Weak urine flow

• Difficulty urinating

• Urine left behind after peeing

---

“To straighten” the penis (medical context)

Doctors may use this phrase when treating:

• Urethral stricture (scar causes bending or blockage)

• Penile curvature due to scar tissue

“Straightening” usually means:

• Opening or correcting the narrowed area

• Restoring normal urine flow

• Not about appearance, but function

---

2. Endoscopy meaning in this context

In urinary problems, endoscopy usually means cystoscopy.

Cystoscopy

• A thin camera tube is passed through the urethra

• Lets the doctor see scars, narrowing, or blockage

• Helps decide if treatment is needed (like dilation or surgery)

So:

Endoscopy here = looking inside the urine passage to find scars or blockage

---

3. Post-void residual (PVR) – meaning

Post-void residual =
👉 The amount of urine left in the bladder after urinating

Normally:

• Very little urine remains

High PVR means:

• The bladder did not empty fully

---

4. Reasons for increased post-void residual

Blockage causes

• Urethral stricture (scar tissue)

• Enlarged prostate (in older males)

• Stones or inflammation

Bladder muscle problems

• Weak bladder muscles

• Nerve problems (diabetes, spinal issues)

Functional causes

• Pain while urinating

• Poor urine flow due to narrowing

---

5. How these are connected

Scar → narrows urethra
⬇
Urine cannot flow freely
⬇
Bladder does not empty completely
⬇
Post-void residual increases

how to increase your productivity as a commerical accountant

 To increase your productivity as a commercial accountant, focus on a blend of leveraging technology, implementing effective time management strategies, and optimising your work environment. 

Leverage Technology

Automate routine tasks: Automate data entry, invoicing, and other repetitive manual processes to reduce errors and free up time for more analytical work.

Move to cloud-based software: Utilise cloud accounting solutions for data storage and collaboration. This provides secure, anytime, anywhere access to financial information, streamlining workflows and client interactions.

Master your software: Invest time in learning the full functionality, keyboard shortcuts, and capabilities of your existing software (e.g., Excel, ERP systems, data analytics tools).

Centralise data and workflows: Use modern practice management software and data hubs to integrate client and practice data, eliminating time-consuming manual collation from disparate sources. 

Optimize Time Management 

Prioritise tasks: Differentiate between urgent and important tasks. Focus on high-impact work first, and consider delegating or rescheduling less critical items.

Implement "Deep Work" time: Block off dedicated, uninterrupted time in your schedule for tasks that require intense focus, such as complex problem-solving or strategic analysis.

Structure your day with intent: Some accountants prefer to tackle the most challenging tasks when their focus is highest (the "eat the frog" method), while others build up to them. Find the method that works best for you and design your schedule accordingly.

Minimise meeting time: Advocate for shorter, more focused meetings with clear agendas and only essential attendees. Consider setting specific days to be meeting-free.

Manage communications effectively: Instead of constantly checking emails and messages, set aside specific times during the day (e.g., morning, noon, and evening) to review and respond to communications. 

Refine Work Processes and Environment

Standardise workflows: Create clear, documented processes for recurring activities. This increases efficiency, reduces errors, and simplifies training for new team members.

Delegate and outsource: Identify tasks that can be handled by junior staff or external experts, freeing you to concentrate on work that requires your specific expertise.

Maintain an organised workspace: A clean, organised, and comfortable office environment with minimal clutter can significantly reduce stress and distractions.

Take regular breaks and unplug: Schedule short breaks throughout the day to recharge your mind (e.g., using the Pomodoro Technique of 25 minutes of work followed by a break). Ensure you get enough sleep and take proper vacations to avoid burnout.

Invest in continuous learning: Stay updated on the latest accounting standards and industry trends through professional development opportunities and training

bean counter

 noun [ C ] mainly US informal disapproving

uk  /ˈbiːn ˌkaʊn.tər/ us  /ˈbiːn ˌkaʊn.t̬ɚ/

an accountant (= someone who takes care of a company's financial affairs), especially one who works for a large company and does not like to allow employees to spend money:

It looked like the project was going to be approved, but the bean counters said it wasn't cost-effective.

bean counter

noun [ C ]   informal disapproving

uk  us 

Add to word list 

a person who makes financial decisions for a company or government, especially someone who wants to severely limit the amount of money spent:

The Treasury's role is to act as Britain's bean counter in chief.

Brief History of Arsenal Football Club 🇬🇧

Arsenal were founded in 1886 in Woolwich, a London district known for the Royal Arsenal, the Royal Artillery Regiment and several military hospitals.

The club originally took the name Royal Arsenal and played without a badge for the first two years. Their first crest, introduced in 1888, drew heavily from the coat of arms of the Borough of Woolwich, where the club remained based from 1886 to 1913.

Facing serious financial trouble, the club was rescued by businessman Henry Norris in 1910. Three years later, in 1913, Arsenal relocated to North London, making Highbury their new home. A year after the move, the club officially adopted the name Arsenal.

Arsenal’s first major rise came with the appointment of Herbert Chapman as manager in 1925. Chapman modernised the club from top to bottom, overhauling training methods and refining the traditional 2-3-5 formation. With smart signings and tactical innovation, Arsenal lifted their first major trophy in 1930, beating Huddersfield Town 2–0 in the FA Cup final. This sparked a golden era: during the 1930s, Arsenal won five league titles and another FA Cup.

After the Second World War, the club continued their success with league titles in 1948 and 1953 and an FA Cup in 1950. However, the following 17 years brought decline, as the team lost key players and fell into a period of mediocrity.

A new chapter began with the arrival of Arsène Wenger in 1996. The little-known French manager revolutionised the club with modern training methods, tactical evolution and the recruitment of talented French stars such as Robert Pirès, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry. Henry became the focal point of Arsenal’s attack, and between 1996 and 2004, the club won three Premier League titles and three FA Cups. The 2003–2004 season stands out above all, as Arsenal went unbeaten throughout the entire league campaign—earning the legendary nickname The Invincibles.

#fblifestyle

Louis Dunford - The Angel (North London Forever) Lyrics HD (New Arsenal Chant at Emirates Stadium)

 

Louis Dunford's song "The Angel" is a love letter to his hometown of Islington, North London, celebrating the community, family, and friends of the area. While not originally written as a football anthem, it became an unofficial anthem for the local club, Arsenal, due to its strong ties to the community and Dunford's lifelong support of the team. The song captures the spirit of North London and evokes a sense of nostalgia for the changing landscape of the borough. 

This video shows Louis Dunford talking about how his song became popular with Arsenal fans:

North London forever

Whatever the weather

These streets are our own

And my heart will leave you never

My blood will forever

Run through the stone

The lyric "my blood will forever run through the stone" from Louis Dunford's song "The Angel" is a metaphor for an unbreakable, deep connection to the streets of North London, which has become an anthem for Arsenal FC fans. It suggests the singer's life force, symbolized by blood, is eternally linked to the very stone of the city's streets, signifying a lasting legacy and sense of belonging. 

Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion full match replay

A cool evening in North London sets the stage for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup fourth-round encounter with Brighton & Hove Albion, taking place on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 19:45 BST inside the Emirates Stadium. The atmosphere around the ground is lively yet focused, as Arsenal look to continue their strong domestic form while giving valuable minutes to several squad players. Brighton arrive knowing they’ve caused the Gunners problems in previous cup outings, adding an extra edge to what promises to be a tactical and competitive midweek battle.

Arsenal’s preparations have been hampered slightly by fitness concerns. Mikel Arteta will be without William Saliba, who suffered a knock in the recent Premier League win, and Gabriel Martinelli, who limped off after the same match. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have recovered from minor issues and are expected to feature, while Riccardo Calafiori has also been cleared to play. For Brighton, Fabian Hürzeler’s side continue to manage a long injury list — Kaoru Mitoma, Solly March, Adam Webster, Jack Hinshelwood, and Joel Veltman are all ruled out, while young attacker Brajan Gruda remains sidelined with a knee injury. Both managers are expected to rotate but still field competitive lineups, with several academy players expected to make the bench.

Tactically, Arteta is expected to stick with his aggressive, possession-based structure, likely lining up in a flexible 4-3-3 that shifts into a 3-2-5 when building from the back. Expect Arsenal to control the ball through quick combinations, pressing high and using width through players like Reiss Nelson and Leandro Trossard. Hürzeler, meanwhile, has built Brighton around a structured counter-attacking approach, often starting in a compact 4-2-3-1 before pushing his wingers higher when transitions open up. His side will look to exploit any defensive gaps behind Arsenal’s full-backs, particularly targeting spaces left by overlapping runs.

The British press has been buzzing about this clash, focusing on Arsenal’s squad depth and the challenge of balancing domestic and cup competitions. Many pundits have noted how Arteta’s side, currently leading the Premier League, are eager to prove their bench strength, especially with players like Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, and Eddie Nketiah pushing for starts. Brighton, despite their injuries, are being praised for their resilience and commitment to an attractive brand of football under Hürzeler. The headlines frame this as a test of adaptability — Arsenal’s technical dominance versus Brighton’s tactical discipline.

In television studios, analysts have been divided. Some point out Arsenal’s fatigue risk given their congested schedule, questioning whether their rotated squad can maintain the same tempo and intensity. Others believe this is the perfect opportunity for fringe players to shine in front of the home crowd. The Brighton discussions have centered around their pressing patterns and whether their younger midfielders can cope with Arsenal’s fluid movements. Most predictions lean toward an Arsenal victory, but the overall tone is cautious — Brighton’s ability to unsettle possession-heavy teams remains one of their most dangerous traits heading into this London showdown.

US vpn

https://www.fullmatch-replay.org/arsenal-vs-brighton-hove-albion-wednesday-october-29-2025/ 

Urinary Retention

Your bladder is like a storage tank for the waste product urine (pee). When your bladder is full, you urinate and the waste leaves your body. But, if you have urinary retention, your bladder doesn’t completely empty when you pee. Things like blockages, medications or nerve issues can cause it.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Overview

A blockage at the bottom of a bladder causes urine to back up into the bladder and not empty during urination.

Urinary retention is when your bladder doesn’t empty when you pee. Blockages, medications or nerve issues can cause it.

What is urinary retention?

Urinary retention is a condition where your bladder doesn’t empty all the way or at all when you urinate (pee). Your bladder is like a storage tank for your pee (or urine). Pee is made up of the waste that your kidneys filter from your body. After your kidneys make your pee, it moves to your bladder where it sits until you empty it. Your urethra is the tube that carries your pee from your bladder out of your body. 

What are the types?

When you have urinary retention, it can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term). Acute means that it comes on quickly and it can be severe. Chronic urinary retention means that your symptoms are more gradual. Blockages, medications and nerve problems are common reasons a person may have urinary retention.

The acute form of urinary retention is an emergency. In this case, you’ll need to see a healthcare provider right away. Chronic urinary retention is most common in men who are between 60 and 80 years old.

How common is this condition?

About 10% of men over age 70 and up to 30% of men over 80 will develop urinary retention. While women can get acute urinary retention, it’s far less common.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the signs of urinary retention?

The signs can vary depending on if you have acute or chronic urinary retention.

Acute urinary retention symptoms

With the acute form, symptoms come on more suddenly. You may not be able to pee at all, or only be able to go very small amounts even though you have a full bladder. In severe cases, it can cause digestive discomfort and lower abdominal pain. See a healthcare provider right away if this happens to you.

Chronic urinary retention symptoms

Symptoms of chronic urinary retention can vary from one person to another. Some symptoms include:

• Difficulty starting to pee.
• Weak, slow or uncontrollable urine stream.
• Feeling the need to pee immediately after you’ve just peed.
• Feeling like you always need to pee.
• Leaking pee.
• Waking up several times at night to pee (nocturia).

What causes urinary retention?

Urinary retention can happen for several different reasons. These causes can include:

A blockage to the way urine leaves your body.

Medications you’re taking for other conditions.

Nerve issues that interrupt the way your brain and urinary system communicate.

Infections or swelling that prevent pee from leaving your body.

Surgery.

Blockage

When something blocks the free flow of urine through your bladder and urethra, you might experience urinary retention. Blockages (obstructions) are one of the most common causes of urinary retention.

Some reasons you may experience a blockage include:

Enlarged prostate: A blockage can happen when their prostate gland gets so big that it presses on their urethra.

Bladder outlet obstruction: These obstructions affect the neck of your bladder, which is the area just before your pee leaves your body.

Ureteral obstruction: Ureteral stones, blood clots, tumors or other factors can lead to a blockage in your urethra.

Cystocele: This is a condition where your bladder can sag into your vagina.

Rectocele: This is a condition in which your rectum sags into your vaginal wall.

Urethral stricture: Your urethra narrows due to scar tissue.

Medications

Certain medications can cause urinary retention. Drugs like antihistamines (Benadryl®), antispasmodics (like Detrol®), opiates (like Vicodin®) and tricyclic antidepressants (like Elavil®) can change the way your bladder muscle works. 

Other medications that may cause bladder control side effects are:

• Some blood pressure-lowering medications.
• Antipsychotics.
• Muscle relaxants.

Nerve issues

You may not know this, but your brain plays a role in urination. Passing urine happens when your brain tells your bladder muscle to tighten to squeeze your pee out. Your brain then tells your sphincter muscles surrounding your urethra to relax. This lets the flow of urine go out of your body. If there’s an issue in how your brain talks to your nerves, it can cause a problem with urination.

Causes of nerve issues can include:

• Stroke.
• Diabetes.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS). ??
• Trauma to your spine or pelvis due to an accident or injury.
• Pressure on the spinal cord from tumors and a herniated disk.
• Vaginal childbirth.
• Some types of pelvic surgery.

You’re also at a higher risk of nerve issues if you’ve had a catheter (thin tube that removes pee directly from your bladder).

Infection or swelling

Infection and swelling (inflammation) can also affect how pee flows through your urethra. Some examples of urinary retention due to infection or inflammation are:

Prostatitis: Infection or inflammation in your prostate causes it to swell and press up against your urethra, blocking the flow of pee.

Urinary tract infection (UTI): An infection in your urinary tract can cause your urethra to swell or cause weakness in your bladder, both of which can cause urinary retention.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Infections spread through sexual contact can also cause swelling and lead to urinary retention.

Surgery

You may experience urinary retention after having joint replacement surgery (such as hip replacement) or spinal surgery. Having general anesthesia during a procedure can also cause temporary urinary retention. 

What are the risk factors for urinary retention?

Anyone can have urinary retention, but it occurs more often in men. People with an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) are most likely to develop urinary retention because their prostates push on their urethras, blocking the flow of urine out of their bladder.

What are the complications of urinary retention?

Left undiagnosed or untreated, urinary retention can lead to:

UTIs: Pee that stays in your bladder is a breeding ground for bacteria. This can cause infection in your urinary tract that can spread up to your kidneys.

Bladder damage: When pee stays in your bladder, it can overstretch your bladder muscles and damage them.

Kidney damage: An infection in your urinary tract can spread up to your kidneys, causing them to inflame and swell. This pressure can damage your kidneys and lead to kidney disease.

Leaking pee: When your bladder doesn’t fully drain, it can lead to you accidentally leaking pee.

Bladder stones: When pee stays in your bladder, it could lead to bladder stones.

Diagnosis and Tests

​How is urinary retention diagnosed?

Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency. You should seek care right away if you have trouble urinating suddenly, especially if you feel pain in your abdomen or belly.

If you have chronic urinary retention, you’ll see a urologist who will:

• Ask you about your symptoms and how long you’ve had them.
• Get your complete medical history.
• Perform a physical examination.
• Collect a urine sample to check it for infection. 
• Perform a digital rectal exam to check your prostate. (done??)

There are other tests your provider may use to find the causes of urinary retention. These could include:

Post-void residual urine test (PVR): This is a test that measures how much pee is left in your bladder after you urinate. 

Cystoscopy: A test that allows your healthcare provider to examine the inside of your bladder and urethra with a cystoscope. This is a pencil-sized lighted tube with a camera or viewing lens on the end.

Urodynamic testing: This test measures nerve and muscle function, pressure in and around your bladder, and urine flow rate. 

PSA test: A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test screens for prostate cancer. 

Management and Treatment

How is urinary retention treated?

Treatment for urinary retention can depend on whether you have the acute form or the chronic form, as well as the cause.

Treatment for acute urinary retention

Since the acute form of urinary retention is a medical emergency, your healthcare provider will insert a catheter to drain your bladder (???). This should provide almost immediate relief. After that, they’ll work to determine the cause and the appropriate treatment.

Treatment for chronic urinary retention

Treatment of the chronic form will depend on the cause. It could include one or a combination of the following:

• Medication.
• Surgery.
• Nonsurgical options (behavioral changes).

It could also include temporarily using a catheter at home (??), especially if nerve issues are causing the urinary retention. Your provider will teach you how to self-catheterize (??).

Medication

Your provider may prescribe medication to treat the underlying cause of urinary retention. This could include medication for:

Enlarged prostate: Medications like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors work by either shrinking your prostate or relaxing the muscles around your prostate. 

Infections: Antibiotics help treat the infections that cause urinary retention.

Surgery

Surgical procedures may be necessary to treat urinary retention depending on the cause. Your provider may recommend surgery to treat things like:

Enlarged prostate: Many types of surgery can treat an enlarged prostate. Examples include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), prostatic urethral lift or holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). All of these procedures (and others) can be effective in opening up the blockage causing urinary retention.

Urethral stricture: Your provider may open the scar tissue forming the stricture using a catheter or balloon. Surgery that involves opening up your urethra and then repairing it is also an option (urethroplasty).

Cystocele or rectocele: If a sagging or bulging bladder or rectum is the cause of your symptoms, your provider may recommend a pessary or surgery to lift the organs back to their usual position. Surgery may be an option to fix any type of pelvic organ prolapse.

Urinary tract stones: Your provider may perform a cystolitholapaxy to break up and remove stones in your bladder or urethra. 

Your healthcare provider will begin with less invasive procedures and treatments first. But, if none of these help, they may need to consider more invasive procedures like:

• Removing your prostate (prostatectomy).
• Spinal cord stimulation.
• Bladder surgery.
• Performing urinary reconstruction and diversion.
• 
  

Nonsurgical treatments

Sometimes, nonsurgical approaches can provide relief of your symptoms. Some examples of nonsurgical treatments could include:

Kegels or pelvic floor therapy: Kegel exercises and physical therapy help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. (????)

Vaginal pessary: This is a ringlike device that supports your bladder if it’s sagging.

Bladder control: Certain behaviors like drinking fluids only at certain times to manage when you’ll need to pee can improve urinary retention.

Outlook / Prognosis

Can you still pee with urinary retention?

Yes, some people still pee a little bit. Urinary retention can mean either you don’t pee at all or you don’t empty your bladder completely when you pee. You may also pee because your bladder is overflowing with urine.

What can I expect if I have urinary retention?

If you receive a urinary retention diagnosis, be sure to follow your provider’s treatment plan. Attend follow-up appointments and keep track of if your symptoms are improving. Many people find relief from their symptoms with the right treatment.

Prevention

Can you prevent urinary retention?

You can’t prevent it, but you can take steps to lower your risk. Some of these steps include:

• Use the bathroom as soon as you have the urge to go. Don’t hold your pee.
• Pay attention to your urination habits and alert your healthcare provider if you notice a change.
• Eat well-balanced meals, maintain a weight that’s healthy for you and drink plenty of water.

Living With

When should I see my healthcare provider?

See your healthcare provider if you:

• Feel a frequent urge to urinate, often shortly after you just went.
• Have trouble starting to pee or if your urine stream is weak or stops and starts.
• Feel pain in your lower abdomen, genitals or low back.
• 
  

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

If you have urinary retention, it’s normal to have questions. You may want to ask your provider:

• What do you think is the cause of my symptoms?
• Do you recommend additional tests?
• What treatment would you recommend?
• How can I best manage my symptoms?
• Will my urinary retention go away?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

It can feel uncomfortable talking about bladder control problems with your family, friends and healthcare providers. You’re not alone. Urinary retention is a common and treatable condition. If you notice changes in urination or you can’t pee at all, contact your healthcare provider. Several treatment options can help you manage your symptoms.

Care at Cleveland Clinic

It can be stressful (and painful) to have bladder disorders, like urinary incontinence or cystitis. But the urology providers at Cleveland Clinic are here for you.

Cleveland Clinic urologist examining female patient's abdomen for discomfort and/or pain.

Bladder Disorders Treatment

Find a Doctor and Specialists

Make an Appointment

Medically Reviewed

Last reviewed on 01/23/2024.

Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15427-urinary-retention