Is Taking Ten Attempts to Produce 914 mL of Urine Normal?
No, requiring ten attempts to produce 914 mL of urine is not normal and suggests significant urinary dysfunction that warrants immediate medical evaluation. 1, 2
Normal Urine Output Parameters
A healthy adult should produce approximately 800-2000 mL of urine per 24 hours, with a minimum acceptable output of at least 0.5 mL/kg/hour (approximately 840 mL/day for a 70 kg person). 2, 3 The fact that you required ten attempts to achieve 914 mL—which is barely above the minimum daily requirement—indicates either:
- Severe urinary retention with incomplete bladder emptying 4
- Marked oliguria (reduced urine production) 1
- Bladder outlet obstruction 4
What This Pattern Suggests
If You're Attempting to Void Normally
Multiple failed voiding attempts with small volumes each time strongly suggests bladder outlet obstruction or urinary retention. 4 In men with lower urinary tract symptoms, multiple free-flow studies show significant variability, but requiring ten attempts for less than 1 liter total output is pathological. 4
If This Represents Total Daily Output
If 914 mL represents your total urine output over 24 hours achieved through ten separate voids, this is borderline oliguria and concerning. 1, 2 While technically above the 840 mL/day minimum threshold, the pattern of frequent small voids with difficulty producing urine suggests underlying pathology. 1
Immediate Clinical Concerns
You need urgent medical evaluation for the following potential conditions:
- Acute kidney injury (AKI): Oliguria (<0.5 mL/kg/hour for ≥6 hours) is a cardinal sign of AKI and requires immediate assessment. 1, 5
- Bladder outlet obstruction: Benign prostatic obstruction in men or other anatomical causes requiring multiple attempts to void. 4
- Urinary retention: Inability to completely empty the bladder, leading to frequent small voids. 4
- Severe dehydration: Though this would typically present with concentrated urine and other systemic symptoms. 6
What Your Doctor Should Assess
Volume status and hydration: Determine if low output reflects appropriate response to dehydration versus true kidney dysfunction. 5, 1
Post-void residual volume: Measure how much urine remains in your bladder after voiding to assess for retention. 4
Serum creatinine and electrolytes: Evaluate kidney function, as urine output changes may precede detectable creatinine elevation by 48 hours. 7
Urinalysis and urine culture: Rule out infection or other urinary tract pathology. 5
Bladder scan or catheterization: If retention is suspected, measure residual volumes and potentially decompress the bladder. 4
Critical Red Flags Requiring Emergency Care
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Complete inability to urinate (anuria) 1, 3
- Severe abdominal or flank pain 5
- Fever, confusion, or signs of sepsis 5
- Progressive leg swelling or shortness of breath (suggesting fluid overload from kidney dysfunction) 5
- Urine output <280 mL over 8 hours (severe oliguria threshold) 1
Important Caveats
Diuretic use invalidates these assessments: If you're taking diuretics (water pills), urine output measurements don't accurately reflect kidney function. 5, 1
Weight-based calculations matter: For obese patients, standard calculations become problematic and adjusted body weight should be used. 1, 3
Cirrhosis with ascites: If you have liver disease with fluid retention, oliguria may reflect sodium retention rather than kidney injury. 5, 1
The bottom line: This pattern is abnormal regardless of the underlying cause and requires prompt medical evaluation to prevent potential complications including permanent kidney damage, urinary tract infection, or bladder rupture. 5, 1, 4