retention and blood with Foley

[nezy]

I am 68 years old with slight BPH symptoms (weak stream and two to three times at night). Two weeks ago had bladder retention and went to ER and got Foley put in. Soon there was much blood in urine. Had to go back to ER once to get it irrigated. Later, the blood cleared up and in four days the Foley was out. Urination gradually become normal (as before) without the tight swelling feeling with retention. Urologist did Cystoscopy yesterday and says the prostate appears only slighly enlarged. Question: What was the likely cause for the sudden retention?
Second question: After the Cystoscopy, much blood clot was blocking the urethra. Got to put in the Foley again. Now pink urine is draining slowly but color does not improve. Should leave the Foley in and wait till the urine is clear or should I try to take the catheter out now? (I am worried there is still some clot not enough to block urine totally but may do so without the catheter?
Thanks.

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
    Thanks for writing in. sudden urinary retention could be due to enlarged prostrate, because in BPH the middle lobe of prostrate usually enlarges and surrounds the urethra, so there is a possibility of compression of that part of the urethra occasionally.

You may see blood in the urine off and on for a couple of weeks after cystoscopy. You need to call your doctor if you experience fever, excessive bleeding, urinary retention, or testicular pain. Blood clots can block the flow of urine, causing urinary retention. Your bladder may need to be washed out to remove the clots. As, you already have got your bladder irrigated, there is nothing to worry.

Do not remove the catheter until the colour of urine changes or until your doctor advises. If still clots are passing in urine, then consult a urologist to check for any tear is present in the bladder.
Best.