Post-partum voiding dysfunction and urinary retention

Voiding difficulty and urinary retention is a common phenomenon in the immediate post-partum period. The importance of prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of this condition cannot be over-emphasised as it is the key to ensuring a rapid return to normal bladder function. Despite this, studies revealed a low level of awareness of this problem amongst obstetric units, and there is little information regarding this condition in the published literature. This article aims at reviewing the available literature and providing an informative guide as to the associated risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and management of this largely overlooked condition.