Which of the following is a symptom of urinary retention?

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Urinary retention occurs when the bladder can’t empty properly, so the flow of urine is hindered. The hallmark sign is a slow or weak urinary stream because outlet resistance or weak detrusor muscle reduces the force and speed of urine as it leaves the bladder. You may also feel hesitancy or a sensation of incomplete emptying, and you might strain to start urinating. The other signs point to different issues: a frequent urge to void is more typical of overactive bladder, painful urination suggests infection or irritation, and leaking large volumes is more about incontinence rather than an inability to void.