Traumatic injury of the bladder and urethra: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care after a significant blow, penetrating wound, or pelvic injury if there is blood in the urine, blood at the urethral opening, difficulty urinating, or lower abdominal swelling.
Do not delay care while trying to pass urine repeatedly.
Call emergency services for:
Inability to urinate with increasing lower abdominal pain
Heavy bleeding or blood clots in the urine after trauma
Fainting, confusion, pale or clammy skin, or severe weakness
A penetrating wound to the lower abdomen, pelvis, groin, or genitals
Severe abdominal pain, swelling, or rigid abdominal muscles
These symptoms are not always emergencies, but they may indicate a treatable complication.
And for anyone, someone who:
is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
If you already have a catheter, seek urgent help if it stops draining and you develop increasing bladder pain, urine is leaking heavily around it, or the catheter comes out.
Do not force it back in.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate for a slowly weakening urine stream, mild leakage, repeated urinary infections, discomfort during urination, or sexual problems after recovery.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Traumatic injury of the bladder and urethra. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.