A 70-year-old male complains of urinary incontinence and lower abdominal discomfort. He has a history of prostate enlargement. What could be happening?
In a patient with a history of prostate enlargement, or BPH, urinary incontinence and lower abdominal discomfort might suggest acute urinary retention, which is the inability to void despite a full bladder. This could be due to progression of his BPH. Immediate bladder catheterization may be required to relieve the retention, followed by further evaluation of his prostate condition.