Abstract
Bladder failure is a long-term condition and disability in which the bladder can no longer empty fully or reliably on its own, so that the person needs ongoing support, most often clean intermittent self-catheterisation, to avoid retention, infection and kidney damage. Bladder failure may have neurogenic or non-neurogenic causes. Non-neurogenic bladder failure (NNBF) is the subtype in which no neurological disease is identified. The definition is deliberately cause-neutral so that it can be used across urology, neurology, spinal injury, rehabilitation, primary care and disability services. Bladder failure is often invisible to others. It is proposed here that it be recognised as a disability, rather than treated as a minor or embarrassing problem. Terms in use for all or part of this condition, which this definition is intended to unify under the single term "bladder failure": underactive bladder; bladder underactivity; detrusor underactivity; underactive detrusor; chronic urinary retention; non-obstructive urinary retention. Published by Bladder Failure UK (https://bladderfailure.org.uk). Please cite this record by its DOI. Later versions will be published under the same concept DOI as the wording is refined through consultation with clinicians, societies and people living with the condition.