Normal bladder function involves the bladder stretching like a balloon to hold a volume of urine. When our bladder is getting full, our nervous system sends messages to let us know it’s time to find a toilet. The bladder then contracts when we want it to and expels the urine. For some people though, complete emptying of the bladder is not always possible. This becomes a problem because residual urine can cause infections, incontinence, urgency and frequency, and may even damage our renal system (kidneys). If untreated, a non-emptying bladder can cause significant medical problems.
An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), is a common reason for bladder obstruction. BPH can result in gradual or sudden urinary retention, the inability to empty the bladder completely. Other symptoms might include lower abdominal distention, poor stream, and overflow incontinence, or ‘dribbling’ when the bladder becomes over extended.
Intermittent self-catheterisation, or ISC, may be recommended for you if you have BPH. ISC is a safe, simple way to ensure the bladder is completely emptied at intervals during the day and is often recommended as a temporary measure until prostate surgery. Education on performing ISC should be made available to you by experienced healthcare personnel, including your urologist, urology nurse, or continence nurse.