Severe edema of the uterine cervix - an unusual cause of acute urinary retention in pregnancy

A very unusual case of a healthy pregnant patient who developed recurrent acute urinary retention is described. A 34-year-old multiparous woman was admitted to the hospital in the 17th week of gestation with acute urinary retention and complete obstruction of the urethra. The reason for this was an enormous enlargement of the uterine cervix - possibly an acute allergic reaction to a new kind of a body lotion. She was treated with catheterization during the acute episode, and prolonged use of a vaginal ring pessary. She was admitted again several times at later stages in the pregnancy, with the same complaint. The possible reasons for such repeated episodes of retention and the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment are discussed.