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Intermittent Self-Catheterization (Female)

Section 1: How the bladder works

In this section, you’ll learn:

How the bladder normally works.
Why the bladder may not empty as it should.

How your bladder works

Urine (pee) is made by the kidneys.
It drains to the bladder through tubes called ureters.
Your bladder is like a storage tank for your urine.
The bladder (detrusor muscle) stays relaxed as it fills with urine.
The urethra is the tube that drains your bladder and empties urine. Your urethra should stay closed to keep you dry when the muscle around it (external urethral sphincter) is tightened (contracted).
You feel the need to void (pee) as the bladder gets full.
Your bladder empties by a combination of the detrusor muscle tightening and the urethra relaxing. At the same time as your detrusor muscle contracts, your pelvic floor muscles and external urethral sphincter relax. This allows urine to pass.

Your brain and nervous system send the signals when your bladder ﬁlls, and lets you know when to empty it.
It is normal to have small amounts of urine left behind after voiding, as your kidneys are always making more urine.

This is a side view of where your bladder is.

Current as of: September 26, 2023

Author: Women’s Health, Alberta Health Services

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This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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