Intermittent Self-Catheterisation (ISC) is a safe, simple way to ensure the bladder is completely emptied at intervals during the day to avoid long term problems.
There are various conditions, some more common than others, which can result in the inability to completely (or partially) empty the bladder and necessitate the need for ISC.
The volume of liquid we drink during a day, will determine how frequently we need to empty our bladder.
A normal healthy bladder holds approximately 500 mls of urine and stretches, like a balloon, to accommodate this volume. Sensory nerves in the bladder wall tell us when it’s time to find a suitable place to pass urine, but also allow us to prevent or inhibit emptying until a convenient time and place are identified. The normal healthy bladder should empty completely each time.
For some people, men and women alike, complete emptying is not always possible. This may be due to an underlying condition which prevents the bladder from contracting normally leaving a residue of urine in the bladder. This residue can, if left untreated, result in urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, frequency and urgency of micturition which may ultimately require medical intervention to resolve.
These symptoms may be due to neurogenic causes i.e., relating to the nerves which control the bladder, and may be the result of nerve damage due to trauma, disease or congenital (from birth) reasons and can affect how well the bladder is able to contract and empty and function properly.
Multiple Sclerosis, spinal cord trauma, diabetes or Parkinson’s Disease are a few underlying conditions which may result in the need to perform ISC.
An enlarged prostate or BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) is a common reason for men to start intermittent self-catheterisation.
The enlarged prostate can cause an obstruction to the normal flow of urine from the bladder, resulting in a poor or diminished flow which in turn may result in a persistent residue of urine in the bladder. This residue may result in some of the symptoms mentioned above.
Occasionally urinary retention occurs. This can be a gradual or acute inability to urinate and empty the bladder completely.
Overflow incontinence or leakage may occur if your bladder becomes too full if the obstruction is left untreated. This is often referred to as dribbling.
Intermittent self-catheterisation may be recommended by your doctor or healthcare professional as a temporary measure until surgery is offered in the case of BPH but may also be recommended for other causes of blockage or outflow obstruction such as scarring or urethral strictures etc.