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My bladder, my life

Bladder management

  • Bladder types
  • Starting with catheters
  • Problems
  • Life hacks
  • Inside the bladder
  • Equipment
Starting with catheters
  • Intermittent catheter
    • Other options for managing your bladder
      • Indwelling catheter
      • Suprapubic catheter
      • Reflex emptying
      • Straining or expressing

      Straining or expressing

      Straining or expressing are methods used to empty your bladder that involve increasing the pressure inside your bladder enough so that urine flows out.

      How does straining or expressing work?

      Straining, also known as the Valsalva manoeuvre, works by physically increasing your abdominal pressure.  You do this by holding your breath and bearing down on your abdomen. This increase in pressure may be enough to force urine out of the bladder for some people.

      Expressing (also known as Crede) is another method of increasing the pressure inside the bladder. It is achieved by pushing your abdomen over the bladder itself. This action is like squeezing water out of a balloon and can help to empty the bladder for some people.

      Straining and expressing are not for every SCI bladder

      For patients that can’t perform intermittent catheters, straining or expressing may be preferred over indwelling catheters.

      Complications that may occur

      For people with high outlet resistance these methods may cause other complications that may not be immediately noticeable:

      • Complications of the upper urinary tract
      • Hydronephrosis
      • Improper emptying (stasis)
      • Vesicoureteral reflux
      • Hernia, due to excessive abdominal pressure over time.

      Reflex emptying
      Problems

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      Quick links

      • Bladder types
      • Starting with catheters
      • Problems
      • Life hacks
      • Inside the bladder
      • Equipment

      About this resource

      This web resource is part of a research project to improve bladder management at the Austin, by increasing the use of intermittent catheterisation.

      The research project is funded by TAC.

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      This research project is brought to you by

      Austin Health
      TAC
      ISCRR
      WorkSafe

      Contacts

      Austin Health
      03 9496 5000
      Victorian Spinal Cord Service
      03 9496 5220
      Spinal Urology Nurse
      03 9496 5904
      spinalurologynurse@austin.org.au
      VSCS outpatient Nurse
      03 9496 5176
      vscsoutpatients@austin.org.au

      Disclaimer

      This information has been developed for Austin Health use and has been specifically designed for Austin Health. This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. Austin Health accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed on this website. Written information should only be used in conjunction with advice from the health professional who is looking after you.

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