Intermittent Self-Catheterization for Women

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 is made by our 2 kidneys.
It drains to the bladder through 2 tubes (ureters).
Your bladder is like a storage tank for your urine (pee).

The bladder (detrusor muscle) stays relaxed as it fills with urine.
The urethra is the tube that drains your bladder and empties urine. It should stay closed to keep you dry when the muscle around it (external urethral sphincter) is tightened (contracted). You feel the need to pee (urinate or void) as the bladder gets full.

This is a side view of where your bladder is.

Your bladder empties when the detrusor muscle tightens (contracts) and the urethra relaxes. You also relax your pelvic floor muscles and external urethral sphincter. This squeezes the urine out.

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 peeing, as your kidneys are always making more urine.

Current as of: July 31, 2020

Author: Women’s Health, Alberta Health Services

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.

Include ImagesLarge Print