“As a catheter user, it is especially important to have a healthy bladder, as it reduces the risk of UTIs and general discomfort” – Michelle*
*Michelle has received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information
Why should you be interested in bladder health?
As a catheter user, it is especially important to have a healthy bladder, as it reduces the risk of urinary tract infections and general discomfort. If you have a healthy bladder, it will be you who controls your bladder and not the other way around.
What is a healthy bladder?
A healthy bladder is a well-functioning bladder that is emptied regularly and completely, so that all waste is flushed out. That way, you may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections due to leftover urine in the bladder.
Why does someone get an unhealthy bladder?
There can be several reasons that a bladder may become unhealthy. It may be that you are not emptying your bladder often enough, you are not drinking enough, or your hygiene is not optimal.
Is having a healthy bladder important for both men and women?
Yes. Having a healthy bladder significantly increases quality of life for everyone – this applies to both men and women.
Which users benefit most from having a healthy bladder?
All users benefit from a healthy bladder through reduced risk of discomfort, incontinence, and infection. For some, a healthy bladder restores their independence.
Can I do something myself to have a healthy bladder?
Yes, you can. In short, bladder health is about drinking enough fluid, emptying your bladder regularly and fully, and focusing a lot on hygiene. We have compiled a number of good tips that are applicable to all catheter users here. However, all situations are individual, and if you want personalized lifestyle and product advice for your situation, you are always welcome to call our experienced Care Advisors.
Please feel free to contact us at 1-866-226-6362:
• Monday – Friday: 7am – 7pm (CST)
• Saturday: 9am – 1pm (CST)
How do I know if my bladder is unhealthy?
The most common sign that your bladder is unhealthy is a urinary tract infection. However, there are other signs that may indicate that your bladder is unhealthy. We have gathered the most common ones here:
Common signs of an unhealthy bladder
- Bladder or kidney pain/discomfort
- Dark, cloudy or concentrated urine
- Increased urgency to urinate which is not due to larger fluid intake
- Unexplained change in the amount of urine
- Blood in urine
- Incontinence between urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
The above may also be indicative of other diseases, and so we always recommend contacting your own doctor or urology department if you experience acute irritations.