Does a catheter make a bladder shrink?

A catheter itself does not directly cause the bladder to shrink. However, prolonged use of a catheter can lead to bladder atrophy or decreased bladder capacity due to reduced normal stretching and contraction of the bladder muscle. This can occur because the bladder is not filling and emptying as it typically would, potentially affecting its overall function over time. Regular monitoring and appropriate medical management are important to mitigate these risks.