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Whatever the cause of your problem, it is essential for the bladder to be emptied regularly to prevent leakage and bacteria from forming in the remaining urine. Here are some facts about what might happen if the bladder does not function properly.
Urinary leakage
The bladder muscle may contract uncontrollably, a condition known as detrusor instability, or the sphincter muscle may be weak. Both of these problems may cause urine to leak. A combination of both is also common. The risk of leakage increases when the amount of urine in the bladder increases. Therefore, to prevent leakage the bladder must be emptied regularly.
Urinary tract infections
If the bladder cannot be emptied completely, residual urine can build up. This is a perfect environment for bacteria to grow in, which can result in urinary tract infections, also known as UTIs. UTIs that spread to the kidneys may form small scars. If you develop several of these infections, there is a risk that the kidneys will not work as well later in your life.
Backflow of urine
If the pressure in the bladder becomes greater than the pressure in the ureters, it may be difficult for the urine to run down into the bladder. Sometimes the urine may even flow backwards up into the kidneys, known as backflow of urine or reflux. People with reflux problems are at greater risk of an infection (UTI) and severe damage to the kidneys.
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