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Urology  (Expert Forum)
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Can't urinate for DUI tests What to do?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D. Boston - MA
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.

Can't urinate for DUI tests What to do?

by ORRIN, Apr 22, 2007 12:00AM
I have an unusual problem and could use some help.  I have my entire life had a psychological problem with urinating in a strange place.  Nothing physical, just psychological.  I was ADHD as a child and recently been diagnosed as bipolar.  I have gotten two DUI’s and now have to submit a urine sample daily.  The sample must be submitted within a 2 hour period during the day and someone must be watching you while you go.  Bearing myself doesn’t bother me but the performance issue is intense and I half to drink about 64 ounces to force my bladder to release.    If I do not submit a sample I get an automatic 7 days in jail so the pressure is on.  

Issue 1    Any advice as to how to handle the performance issue?  It is particularly hard for a bipolar person since ones mind is fluctuating in many directions at once, so focusing on any single thing is hard.
Issue 2    Also if our urine sample is too diluted down, we get 7 days for “trying to dilute”.  I have been drinking Gatorade, etc but these do have a lot of minerals, salts, carbohydrates and I wonder if they might be creating a problem or not be good for me in general drinking that much.  Should I just drink water but try and finish up sometime before going in?  What is best for my kidneys to get the bladder filled ASAP.  
Issue 3     Is there any self catheter I could use if it became a critical time issue and would it hurt to self install?  Is so what brand do you recommend?
Issue 4    Although drugs would likely be a possible problem with failing the test is there any drug that would relax that muscle?  
Any help you can give would be appreciated.  

by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 23, 2007 12:00AM
There seems to be an obvious component of anxiety that may be affecting the urination.  A referral to a counselor or psychiatrist can help cope with the situation.  Anxiety medications may be an option.

There is no specific liquid that would more rapidly fill the bladder, and this would vary from patient to patient.  Water would seem to be find.  

Self-catheterization is also a possibility, but note this may introduce the possibility of infection.  

There are some medications like diuretics that can increase urination, however this would seem to be a drastic step.

You can discuss these options with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
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