Why should it be done? of Urinary catheterization

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

If you cannot empty your bladder normally, urine continues to build up there. This creates pressure on the bladder which can become very uncomfortable. It also puts pressure on the valves that normally control the flow of urine from the kidneys down into the bladder.

The main danger if the normal flow of urine is blocked is that the pressure will force it back through the valves and up the tubes leading from the kidneys to the bladder (the ureters). This is known as vesicoureteric reflux and it can cause kidney infections.

In some cases where the blockage is caused by and enlarged prostate gland, the man may choose to catheterize himself rather than undergo prostate surgery.