Acute urinary retention after use of assisted reproductive technology. A report of 2 cases

Urinary retention in women is an unusual occurrence. Various conditions can cause it, including surgery, childbirth, pelvic masses, procidentia, vulva hematoma, incarceration of a gravid uterus, urologic disease, neurogenic disease and psychiatric disorders.

Two infertile women underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART) and luteal-phase support during which acute urinary retention occurred. The patients were evaluated by means of physical examination, urodynamic study and determination of serum progesterone levels. Bladder distention was found during luteal-phase support. Urodynamic studies revealed detrusor areflexia. Serial serum progesterone levels were > 100 ng/mL.

Cases of acute urine retention during luteal-phase support are rarely reported. Urine retention should be considered in the differential diagnosis when abdominal pain occurs after patients undergo ART. Transient elevation of the progesterone level may be the cause of the acute urine retention.