Long-term use of some medications is a listed cause of obstructive urinary retention.

• A. It is never caused by medications
• B. It is always due to stones
• C. The only cause is BPH
• D. Long-term use of some medications is a listed cause

Answer: (D)

Blocking or slowing urine flow can come from both physical obstructions and factors that affect how the bladder and outlet work. Some medicines, especially those with anticholinergic effects or those that increase sphincter tone, can reduce the bladder’s ability to contract or tighten the outlet, leading to retention over time. Opioids and certain anticholinergic drugs are common examples, and this risk is especially important to recognize in patients with other urinary tract issues or older adults.

So, medications can indeed be a listed cause of obstructive urinary retention, which is why this statement is true. It’s not correct to say it’s never caused by meds, nor that stones are always the cause, nor that BPH is the only possible cause.