Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017 | 
Urine output - decreased
Oliguria
Decreased urine output means that you produce less urine than normal. Most adults make at least 500 ml of urine in 24 hours (a little over 2 cups).
Causes
Common causes include:
-
Dehydration
from not drinking enough fluids and having vomiting, diarrhea, or fever
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how muc...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Total urinary tract blockage, such as from an
enlarged prostate
Enlarged prostate
The prostate is a gland that produces the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube through wh...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Medicines such as anticholinergics, diuretics, and some antibiotics
Less common causes include:
- Blood loss
-
Severe infection or other medical condition that leads to
shock
Shock
Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means that the cells and organs...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article
Home Care
Drink the amount of fluid your health care provider recommends.
Your provider may tell you to measure the amount of urine you produce.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
A large decrease in urine output may be a sign of a serious condition. In some cases, it can be life threatening. Most of the time, urine output can be restored with prompt medical care.
Contact your provider if:
- You notice that you are producing less urine than usual.
- Your urine looks much darker than usual
- You are vomiting, have diarrhea, or have a high fever and cannot get enough fluids by mouth.
- You have dizziness, lightheadedness, or a fast pulse with decreased urine ouput
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions such as:
- When did the problem start and has it changed over time?
- How much do you drink each day and how much urine do you produce?
- Have you noticed any change in urine color?
- What makes the problem worse? Better?
- Have you had vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or other symptoms of illness?
- What medicines do you take?
- Do you have a history of kidney or bladder problems?
Tests that may be done include:
-
Abdominal ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound is a type of imaging test. It is used to look at organs in the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Blood tests for
electrolytes
, kidney function, and blood count
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. Electrolytes affect how your body functions in many ways...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
CT scan of the abdomen
(done without contrast dye if your kidney function is impaired)
CT scan of the abdomen
An abdominal CT scan is an imaging method. This test uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area. CT stands for computed tomog...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Renal scan
Renal scan
A renal scan is a nuclear medicine exam in which a small amount of radioactive material (radioisotope) is used to measure the function of the kidneys...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Urine tests, including tests for infection
Urine tests, including tests for infect...
The osmolality urine test measures the concentration of particles in urine. Osmolality can also be measured using a blood test.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Cystoscopy
References
Gerber GS, Brendler CB. Evaluation of the urologic patient: history, physical examination, and the urinalysis. In: Wein AJ, Kavoussi LR, Novick AC, Partin AW, eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 3.
Molotoris BA. Acute kidney injury. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 120.
-
Female urinary tract - illustration
The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.
Female urinary tract
illustration
-
Male urinary tract - illustration
The male and female urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.
Male urinary tract
illustration
-
Female urinary tract - illustration
The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.
Female urinary tract
illustration
-
Male urinary tract - illustration
The male and female urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.
Male urinary tract
illustration
Review Date: 8/31/2015
Reviewed By: Jennifer Sobol, DO, urologist at the Michigan Institute of Urology, West Bloomfield, MI. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
