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Urinary retention
Urinary retention is the inability to urinate and is characterized by a poor urinary stream with intermittent flow, straining, a sense of incomplete voiding and hesitancy, meaning a delay between trying to urinate and the flow actually beginning. An effective solution may be the intermittent urinary catheterization, done by the patient himself or another person, a nurse or relative. This procedure allows to empty the bladder and thus to preserve the proper functioning of the kidneys.
Urinary retention can be caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract or by neurological problems that interfere with signals between the brain and the bladder. Complications in nerve signalling may impede important messages, such as a full bladder, reaching the brain. They may also prevent signals from the brain reaching the muscles in the bladder, making urination difficult. Urinary retention can also be caused by weak bladder muscle.
Intermittent self-catheterization is a possible solution for many people affected by urinary dysfunction caused by neurological disease.
Please be aware that intermittent self catheterization should only be carried out under medical advice and only in accordance with given instructions.
The patient introduces himself the catheter into his bladder in order to drain retained urine. The catheter is removed immediately after a complete drainage of the bladder. For each catheterization (four to six times a day), a new catheter has to be used.
Self-catheterization may give the patient control of his bladder and renew his self confidence as he becomes independent from family and health care assistance. In addition, catheterization avoids urinary tract infections since the bladder is drained effectively and emptied completely.
FAQ
A healthy bladder is one that is emptied regularly, approximately 5-6 times a day. The frequency of catheterization depends on the individual and factors such as the amount you drink, the weather, additional medication prescribed and your specific reason for catheterization. Your healthcare professional will let you know how often you will need to catheterize. You should think about the best times of day to catheterize yourself to fit in with your lifestyle.
This can vary depending on how active you are and how hot the weather is. You should aim to drink approximately 1.5 liters or 2-3 pints of fluid per day. Try to avoid caffeine-containing drinks such as tea and coffee.
Get into a comfortable position, try to relax and wait for a while before you try again. Some people find that taking a bath helps to relax them. If you find that you cannot insert the catheter by yourself, contact your healthcare professional.
Try not to worry and wait a while before you try again. Coughing can sometimes help loosen the catheter.
Do not allow your bladder to become too full. The following symptoms may indicate that your bladder has become too full:
If there is no urine draining, remove the catheter and try a new one. Make sure you are putting the catheter in the right place. If there is still no drainage and you feel your bladder is still full, contact your healthcare professional.
One of the most common complications of IC, is urinary tract infection. There may also be blood in the urine, bleeding from the urethra or difficulty inserting the catheter. If you experience any of these, please contact your care team.
In the case of the above, contact your healthcare professional and increase fluid intake.
Children with neurogenic bladder dysfunction can be catheterized by the parents/guardians or a professional care service, always ensuring that the principles of aseptic catheterization are applied. Parents/guardians should ask their doctor or health care professional who will explain and demonstrate the correct catheterization procedure. With careful training, parents/guardians will be able to catheterize their own child.
The age at which a child can begin to self-catheterize, will depend on their own development and confidence.
2.0 - 2.7 mm (Ch06 - Ch08) catheters are typically used in infants and small children.
