Arterial blood gas and blood chemistries may show metabolic acidosis . This allows the body to begin the natural healing process. Catheterization may provide short-term relief of symptoms. Long-term relief is accomplished through correction of the cause of the obstruction. Surgical intervention may also be appropriate for other disorders causing blockage of the urethra or bladder neck.
Symptoms usually subside within a few weeks to several months if the cause is treated.
Untreated, the disorder causes progressive damage to the kidneys and may cause kidney failure . Catheterization in males is slightly more difficult and uncomfortable than in females because of the longer urethra. This is an illustration of the female urinary tract. The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra. The positioning in the body and relative size of the organs are also demonstrated.