Overview

Self-catheterization is a way to completely empty your bladder when you need to. You put a thin tube called a catheter into your bladder. This lets the urine flow out.

You may use a catheter if you have nerve damage, a problem with your urinary tract, or diseases that weaken your bladder muscles. Emptying your bladder regularly can prevent urine leaks during the day. It can also prevent kidney damage from blocked urine or infections.

Some urinary catheters are left in the bladder for as long as needed. But an intermittent, or straight, urinary catheter is taken out right after it is used. Straight catheters come in different lengths and types. Some types are used one time only. Others can be cleaned and reused. Your doctor or nurse will let you know what type you will need and where to get supplies.

Replace the catheter as instructed or before it wears out. Disposable catheters can be thrown away after each use.

You can empty your bladder every 4 to 6 hours, or as your doctor recommends. It takes practice to learn how to place the catheter. It may be uncomfortable at first, but it should not cause pain. If your doctor asks you to measure your urine, you can catch it in a container that is given to you. Note the amount of urine, the date, and the time.

It's very important to be clean when you use the catheter. This helps prevent infection. Keep your hands, the catheter, and the pubic area around your urethra clean. (When you urinate, the urethra carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The urethra is just above the opening to the vagina.)

How can you care for yourself at home?

When you need to empty your bladder, try to urinate first, if you can, before you use the catheter.

Gather the supplies you need to insert the catheter.

slide 1 of 4

slide 1 of 4, Gather the supplies you need to insert the catheter. ,

You will need:

• The catheter.
• A mirror, if you want to use one.
• A container to hold the urine. (If you empty the urine right into the toilet, you won't need the container.)
• Lubricating jelly, such as K-Y Jelly, that dissolves in water. Don't use a petroleum jelly such as Vaseline.

You may want to use a clean face cloth or towel, plus a bag or plastic tub to hold the supplies.

Be sure to wash and dry your hands.

Find and clean the area around the urethra.

slide 2 of 4

slide 2 of 4, Find and clean the area around the urethra.,

1. Choose a comfortable position with your legs spread. You may want to put one leg up on the toilet. Or you can lie on your back with your legs bent and spread in a "frog" position. Place the urine container (if you are using one) between your legs.

2. Separate the lips of your vulva (labia). Clean the area well with soap and water.

3. Spread the lubricating jelly on the tip of the catheter. Put the other end of the catheter over the toilet bowl or in the container to catch the urine.

Insert the catheter.

slide 3 of 4

slide 3 of 4, Insert the catheter.,

1. Gently insert the catheter into the urethra opening until urine begins to flow out. (You may want to use a mirror to see better.) Then insert it about 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) more.

2. Let the urine drain into the container or the toilet.

Drain the bladder and remove the catheter.

slide 4 of 4

slide 4 of 4, Drain the bladder and remove the catheter.,

1. Remove the catheter slowly. If you are using a disposable catheter, throw it away. If not, wash it with warm, soapy water. Dry it and put it into a clean container.

2. Wash and dry your hands.

Clean the catheter

Clean the catheter after each use. Before you start, clean and disinfect the area where you will be working, such as the sink and counter. Then follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands really well with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub.
2. Make sure you have everything you need:
   • Clear liquid soap (regular dish soap is fine).
   • A clean, 60 mL catheter-tip syringe or squeeze bottle.
   • A clean towel or paper towels for a clean workspace.
   • A clean towel or paper towels for drying the catheter.
   • A clean container and clean measuring cup.
   • Clean gloves (optional).
3. Put on the gloves.
4. Add a few drops of soap to 1 cup of water in a clean container.
5. Wash the catheter with the soap and water right away after you use it.
6. Use the syringe or squeeze bottle to push soapy water through the catheter tubing.
7. Rinse the inside and outside of the catheter with clean tap water.
8. Place the catheter between layers of clean towel or paper towel and let it air dry. When it’s very dry, store it in one of the following ways:
   • A container with a lid that you can clean.
   • A new zip locked plastic bag.
   • A new paper bag.
9. Empty and wash the squeeze bottle or syringe after every time you use it. Wash it with hot, soapy water, then rinse it and let it air dry. Throw out the syringe or squeeze bottle if it:
   • Looks damaged or broken.
   • Changes colour (discoloured).
   • Feels different than usual (for example, it feels harder, more brittle, or softer).
10. Take off the gloves (if you wore them) and wash your hands. Make any notes your healthcare provider asked you to make.

Important things to remember

Use a clean, dry catheter every time. If the catheter is wet or moist, wash it again and rinse it really well before you use it.
Prior to use and when cleaning, check the catheter for damage (such as holes or tears) and to see if it’s discoloured.

Use a new catheter every 24 hours (or 1 time per day) or sooner if the one you’re using:

• Gets discoloured.
• Stops draining.
• Feels different than usual (hard, brittle, or soft).

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
  • Pain or burning when you urinate.
  • A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
  • Pain in the flank, which is just below the rib cage and above the waist on either side of the back.
  • Blood or pus in your urine.
  • A fever.
• Your urine smells bad.
• You can't pass any urine.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if you have any problems.