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Asked for Male | 65 Years

Will using indwelling catheter lead to permanent bladder damage?

Patient's Query

I'm a 65 year old healthy male who has had urinary incontinence issues for the past 20 years. I've seen 8 urologist and they found no obvious reason. Could be nerve damage, and most of my life suffered from UTI's. Scarring and distended bladder. Medication and typical treatments have not worked. Over the past 5 years it has gotten worse and I can no longer manage with high absorbency diapers, intermittent catheters offered some protection, however, I experienced too many accidents with uncontrollable voiding. I have no sensation my bladder is full. For the past year I've been using an indwelling catheter with great success. I'm concerned about permanently damaging my bladder muscle. I tried using the valve method and timing when to empty my bladder. However, I always have to wear a diaper because 99% of the time urine leaks around the catheter. I'm very comfortable and active using an indwelling catheter. I feel I now have a normal life. Part of me doesn't care if using an indwelling catheter causes irreversible incontinence. Is there a study that concludes a high percentage of indwelling catheter user will lose complete bladder control after 1, 2, or 3 years. I'm willing to plan periods of time to switch to diapers for a couple of months to allow the bladder to heal, but I'm skeptical this is a solution.

Answered by Dr. Neeta Verma

It's great to hear that you've found comfort and normalcy with an indwelling catheter. While long-term use may pose some risks to bladder function, many patients manage well for years without significant issues. There isn’t a definitive study indicating that indwelling catheters always lead to complete loss of bladder control, as individual responses can vary. Regular assessments with a healthcare provider can help monitor your bladder health. Considering periodic breaks from catheter use can be beneficial, but ensure you're guided by a professional. It's essential to maintain open communication with your urologist regarding your situation.

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