What is Intermittent catheterization?
Intermittent catheterization refers to the periodic insertion of a thin, flexible, hollow tube through the urethra and into the bladder to empty urine from the bladder. Some people are unable to empty their bladder completely, or not at all. If urine collects and remains in the bladder, it can result in infection, discomfort, damage to the bladder due to distention, or damage to the kidneys. It is important to drain urine from the bladder.
Medline Red Rubber Urethral Catheterization Tray Patient Guide
How to perform Self-Catheterization?
Male Intermittent Self-Catheterization Steps:
- If the user not over a toilet, have a container ready to drain urine into
- Wash hands with soap and water
- Wash or use a disposable wet wipe to cleanse the genitals, pulling the foreskin back and cleansing if uncircumcised
- For a hydrophilic coated catheter, soak the catheter according to the manufacturers instructions. For an uncoated catheter, apply lubrication jelly to the first 6 inches (15cm) of the catheter
- Choose a comfortable position (standing or sitting)
- Lift the penis gently upward and outward, and hold at about a 60 to 75-degree angle
- Slowly guide the lubricated catheter into the urethra without touching the part of the catheter that is entering the body
- Continue to slide the catheter slowly and smoothly until urine begins to flow; this will happen when about 6 to 8 inches of the catheter have been inserted
- Sometimes the catheter is hard to push just as it reaches the bladder. This is normal. Do not force the catheter. Use gentle, firm pressure on the catheter until it passes this point
- It can be helpful to bear down (as though passing a bowel movement) or cough to pass the catheter past this resistance point
- Relax and let the urine flow from the bladder into the toilet or container.
- When urine stops flowing, slowly and gently remove the catheter. Note that additional urine may drain as taking out the catheter
- Wipe any remaining lubricant off the penis, and if the user is uncircumcised, gently pull the foreskin back into position
- Dispose of the catheter and any packaging
- Wash hands with soap and water
Female Intermittent Self-Catheterization Steps:
- If the user is not over a toilet, have a container ready to drain urine into
- Wash hands with soap and water
- Wash or use a disposable wet wipe to cleanse the genitals
- For a hydrophilic coated catheter, soak the catheter according to the manufacturers instructions. For an uncoated catheter, apply lubrication jelly to the first 3 inches (8cm) of the catheter
- Choose a comfortable position (squatting, sitting on a toilet, standing with one foot on toilet seat, or lying down with knees bent.)
- With one hand, spread the labia and find the urethral opening. Initially, a mirror can be helpful. With practice, the user should be able to find the urethral opening by touch
- Slowly guide the lubricated catheter into the urethra without touching the part of the catheter that is entering the body
- Continue to slide the catheter slowly and smoothly until urine begins to flow; this will happen when about 3 inches of the catheter have been inserted
- If the user feels resistance, hold firm, gentle, steady pressure; the user can also cough or take a few slow, deep breaths. The muscles should relax allowing the catheter to pass
- Relax and let the urine flow from the bladder into the toilet or container
- When urine stops flowing, slowly and gently remove the catheter. Note that additional urine may drain as taking out the catheter
- With toilet paper or a fresh cleansing cloth, wipe front to back
- Dispose of the catheter and any packaging
- Wash hands with soap and water
