Women's Health Concerns Us All Female Bladder Health

Improve women’s health – improve the world!

This bold claim may sound a little bombastic, but this is a message from the World Health Organisation (WHO). Women’s health not only concern women, but their families, communities and societies at large. In other words – it’s a concern of high priority.

Generally women face greater difficulties in getting the healthcare they need and it’s clear that changes are needed. The WHO calls for reforms to ensure that women are centrally involved in their care. We agree and want to contribute!

Our vision: To make it possible for all women to succeed with Intermittent Catheterisation. This video explains how.

Female Bladder Problems

Women are more prone than men to get UTIs due to a number of reasons, e.g. the shorter urethra, hormonal changes etc.

UTI in the figures

• About half of all women will experience UTI during their life-time
• The risk of getting UTI is 3-4 times greater if you are a woman
• About 1/3 of all women by the age of 24 have had UTI
• Women between 16-35 years are about 35 times more likely to be affected by UTI than men

The figures might sound a little unfair, but has to do with how our bodies are built. Men’s longer urethra facilitates a natural bacteria washout every time they void. Also, the position of the female urethra, close to rectum and vagina, unfortunately increases the risk of transfer of bacteria

UTIs are fairly common for sexually active women, although peeing before and after sex can help prevent infection. Women with diabetes are more likely to get a UTI because of the condition's impact on the immune system.

Other potential causes are use of birth control and antibiotics, which may disrupt the normal vaginal flora. Also genetic factors and estrogen levels are shown to have an impact.

Usage of urethral catheters increases the risk of UTI, and that’s why it is important to make a conscious catheter choice and use the correct technique. Hydrophilic coated catheters are for example proven to reduce the risk of UTIs and are often preferred by users.

Another common problem in women are Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). The term covers both gender but the overall prevalence is higher in women. LUTS includes symptoms like frequency, urgency, poor stream and dribbling.

• Urinary incontinence is about 2,5 to 3 times more common in women.
• The risk of UTIs 3-4 times greater in women.
• Overactive bladder is more common in women.

LUTS is divided into two main categories: Problems related to storage (if you're leaking urine) or voiding (if you can't empty your bladder).

If You're Leaking Urine

You may find that you accidentally leak a little wee when you cough, sneeze or exercise. This is referred to as stress incontinence and is common after pregnancy and child birth.

Urine leakage is also common due to neurological diseases like MS, and/or because of an overactive bladder (OAB). The bladder contracts when it shouldn’t, causing leakage. This is referred to as urge incontinence.

Incontinence and storage problems are generally more common in women than in men.

If You Can't Empty Your Bladder

Urinary retention is the opposite of incontinence – you have trouble emptying your bladder completely. When there is urine left in the bladder, the risk of infections increases. If this is not resolved, the kidneys can be harmed.

Retention is quite unusual in women unless you have a neurological disease, prolapse or postoperative surgical complications. It’s common in elderly men where the retention can either be due to a mechanical barrier, such as an enlarged prostate, or impaired muscles of the bladder wall making them too weak to contract.

Intermittent Catheterisation as the Solution

Many women struggle for years to find a solution to their bladder problems, without success. One method that is sometimes overlooked, or even avoided, is intermittent catheterisation (IC). IC may be a good solution to many of these problems, but women sometimes feel a bit resistant to IC. With that said – when you have overcome the barriers, it’s likely that you have found the solution to your bladder problems.

Does any of this sound familiar?

Anatomy and Positioning

To be frank, for a woman it’s not that easy to see where to enter the catheter, and you probably need a little bit more support when you first start. Body shape and sitting balance may often require the assistance of a caregiver, which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.

Inaccessible Bathrooms

For many women, just the thought of going out without knowing if you will find an accessible bathroom, is enough to stay home. Some women even drink less, to limit their visits to the toilet (this is not advisable). Public toilets aren't always the most hygienic of places, and there may be anxiety over how to discreetly dispose of the catheter.

Yet Another Chore to Fit in

For some it seems messy and time-consuming and yet another thing to consider, hindering social life and relationships, which are essential to emotional wellbeing. Many women have doubts about whether catheterisation is compatible with a busy lifestyle, socialising and work.

Fear of Concept

Many women experience feelings of shame, loss of dignity and low self-esteem when they can’t urinate the normal way. Some think IC seems invasive and painful, it takes their femininity away and is associated with the elderly.

These fears are perfectly normal, but not always addressed by your healthcare professionals. If you recognise yourself in the above, please take the opportunity to discuss it with your clinician.

Choose your catheter carefully

• Give it a chance - your dedication will ensure a successful outcome!
• Evaluate different options - it’s very important to find a catheter that offers ergonomic control, is hygienic and provides discreet storage and disposal
• Select a catheter that fits and supports your lifestyle and needs - not the other way round
• And finally - a good start is crucial in succeeding with intermittent catheterisation. Ask for support from your healthcare provider and expect the most from your catheter.

The video below gives advice on how to self-catheterise.