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Why does urethral and bladder microtrauma occur?

Did you know that microtrauma to the urethra or the bladder are risk factors for the development of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?1 Intermittent catheterisation may increase the risk of creating microtrauma in the urethra and bladder, and this can potentially cause damage to the epithelial cells. A compromised bladder wall would give easier access for bacteria and therefore increase the likelihood of a UTI developing.2,3  

Learn more about the two types of microtrauma and their impact.

Bladder microtrauma

Explore why bladder microtrauma is an issue for IC users and how it raises the risk of UTIs

Urethral trauma

Learn more about urethral microtrauma and its implications on UTI risk for IC users

How many IC users experience blood in the urine (haematuria)*?4

*Haematuria is considered a surrogate for microtrauma

34%

with 7% experiencing it monthly or more often. 4

How can you help your users minimise the risk of microtrauma in general?

Selecting the right catheter for your patient’s profile is key. Consider the coating properties of the catheter and how it may affect your patient. 5
Check-in with your patients if they have experienced haematuria or pain when catheterising as that may indicate microtrauma. 5
Ensure patients are practicing the correct catheterisation technique when catheterising. 5

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  1. Kennelly M, Thiruchelvam N, Averbeck MA et al., Adult neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction and intermittent catheterisation in a community setting: Risk factors model for urinary tract infections. Advances in Urology. 2019; Apr 2;1–13
  2. Vasudeva P and Madersbacher H, Factors implicated in pathogenesis of urinary tract infections in neurogenic bladders: some revered, few forgotten, others ignored. Neurology and Urodynamics. 2014 Jan;33(1): p.96
  3. Barber AE, Norton JP, Spivak AM et al., Urinary tract infections: current and emerging management strategies. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2013; Sep;57(5):719-24
  4. Averbeck MA, Kennelly M, Thiruchelvam N et al. Risk factors for urinary tract infections associated with lower quality of life among intermittent catheter users. British Journal of Nursing. 2023 Oct 12;32(18):S8-16.
  5. Lauridsen SV et al. UTI assessment tool for intermittent catheter users: a way to include user perspectives and enhance quality of UTI management. BMC nursing. 2022 Dec;21(1):1-1.