Managing UTIs when living with MS and using a catheter

For people living with MS and bladder issues, managing bladder emptying is an important part of staying healthy. When the bladder doesn’t empty completely, residual urine creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Even small amounts of urine left behind may increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).^1,2,3 Repeated infections can make bladder management more difficult and may even cause MS symptoms to temporarily worsen.⁴

That’s why it is always important to completely empty your bladder when using a catheter. Ensuring that all urine is drained each time helps maintain bladder health and reduces the risk of infection.^1,2,3

There are two key things you may do to help enable complete bladder emptying when you catheterise.

1. Use a Lujaᵀᴹ catheter – which enables complete bladder emptying in one position to reduce the risk of UTIs.^1,5,6

2. Ensure you have the right emptying technique. If not using a Luja catheter, once you have inserted your catheter and the urine has stopped running, move a little and straighten yourself up to make sure that the bladder is completely empty. Slowly withdraw the catheter and stop each time more urine drains out.⁷ If using Luja, repositioning is not necessary as Luja enables complete bladder emptying in one position.^5,6

Unlike standard catheters with two eyelets, Luja features Micro-hole Zone Technology that enables complete bladder emptying in one position.^5,6 The whole Luja range is designed for no repositioning,^5,6 meaning that Luja catheters empty the bladder more efficiently in one free flow compared to conventional eyelet catheters.^5,6

Luja’s Micro-hole Zone Technology sets a new standard for IC products. These micro-holes are designed to drain urine from the bottom of the bladder and enable an uninterrupted and free urine flow.^5,6 

As you do not need to reposition the catheter whilst it is in your bladder, this makes for a simpler emptying technique compared to conventional eyelet catheters. When using a Luja catheter to empty your bladder, your flow of urine will only stop when the bladder is completely empty.^5,6 

Andrea was diagnosed with MS in 2022. Andrea has had to deal with UTIs multiple times, and he now uses Luja to manage his bladder, and enjoys the advantage of being able to completely empty his bladder without having to reposition his catheters.

“I was convinced to try Luja because it has fantastic technical characteristics. There’s no need to reposition the catheter.” 

“Luja makes me confident my bladder is empty”

Andrea | Living with MS 

Elisa was diagnosed with MS in 2008. For seven years, Elisa tried to find ways of coping with her bladder issues, but it got more difficult as time went on. She found it increasingly difficult to fully empty her bladder and would find she would need to go to the toilet sometimes just 15 minutes apart. This led to several urinary tract infections. Now, Elisa uses Luja female to empty her bladder.

 “With Luja™ female, I just insert the catheter and the urine starts to flow constantly. And when it finishes, I know my bladder is empty.“ 

"With Luja™ female, I don’t have to worry about whether I’ve emptied my bladder." 

Elisa | Living with MS 

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