Voiding frequency

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Understanding the link between voiding and UTIs

Infrequent voiding may result in overdistension of the bladder and increase the risk of UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections).1

A survey of Canadian spinal cord injury patients has shown that voiding frequency is inversely related to the number of UTIs. This means that lower the rate of catheterisation, the higher the probability of UTIs, with one daily catheterisation posing the highest risk.2

However, in a study of Paralympic athletes who catheterised 1 to 10 times per day, the frequency of daily catheterisations was not related to the frequency of UTIs.3

Did you know?

  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. Woodbury M G, Hayes K C and Askes H K, Intermittent catheterization practices following spinal cord injury: a national survey. Canadian Journal of Urology. 2008;15(3):4065–4071
  3. Krassioukov A, Cragg J J, West C et al., The good, the bad and the ugly of catheterization practices among elite athletes with spinal cord injury: a global perspective. Spinal Cord. 2015;53(1):78–82
  4. Vahr S, Cobussen-Boekhorst H, Eikenboom J et al., Catheterisation, Urethral Intermittent in adults, Dilatation, urethral intermittent in adults Evidence-based Guidelines for Best Practice in Urological Health Care. Arnheim: EAUN; 2013.Available here
  5. Bakke A, Digranes A, and Hoisoeter P A, Physical predictors of infection in patients treated with clean intermittent catheterization: a prospective 7-year study. BJU International. 1997;79(1):85-90
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