Leiomyoma as a cause of urinary retention

Abstract

Urinary retention is uncommon in reproductive age women. The frequent causes for obstructive retention are pelvic masses and a history of surgery. We report a case of intermittent urinary retention caused by a leiomyoma. A 47-year old patient with voiding difficulties for the past four months was referred to the gynecology outpatient clinic. She had urinary retention and had been catheterized several times for bladder emptying. She had been evaluated by the urology clinic and a cystoscopy was performed with normal findings. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a pelvic mass at the anterior uterine wall with a diameter of 10 cm. Her physical examination confirmed the MRI findings. Total abdominal hysterectomy was performed with a complete resolution of the patient’s complaints. Women with urinary retention should be consultated with a gynecologist in order to rule out pelvic masses.