There are a variety of ways to manage urinary retention, but what’s best for you?
In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about intermittent self-catheterization and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
An intermittent catheter is a type of urinary catheter consisting of a long flexible tube with a funnel on one and a tip on the other. The catheter is inserted into the body using the catheter tip, allowing urine to flow down the tube and out the funnel end.
Intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) is the process of inserting and removing an intermittent catheter from the bladder to drain urine. This process is typically done four to six times a day.
Since they are not left in the body like indwelling catheters, intermittent catheters can significantly decrease your risk of a bladder infection. With practice and guidance, you can self-catheterize on your own. To find out which intermittent catheter would work best for you, start by taking our production selection quiz.
Self-catheterization is best for managing urinary retention, meaning that you are unable to fully empty your bladder naturally. There are a variety of conditions that can cause urinary retention.
Common causes of urinary retention:
While intermittent catheters are great for managing urinary retention, they are not fit for managing all types of bladder conditions.
Self-catheterization removes residual urine that is left in the bladder but doesn’t prevent urine from leaking out.
Those who experience bladder conditions such as urinary incontinence can consider alternative methods, like external catheters, to manage their condition.
To learn more about managing urinary incontinence, see our blog post here.
There are many benefits of intermittent self-catheterization that make it the ideal choice for many individuals, including:
Although there are many benefits of intermittent self-catheterization, in rare cases, some individuals may suffer some side effects, such as:
With practice, you can successfully catheterize on your own without supervision. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to consult your doctor for further instructions first.
1. Have your supplies ready.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap, then dry completely. If soap and water are unavailable, use an antibacterial hand sanitizer. After doing so, you may also choose to wear gloves for extra precaution.
3. Remove your catheter from its packaging and apply additional lubricants if you use any.
4. Hold your penis and retract the foreskin if uncircumcised, then clean the tip of the penis by gently wiping the area with an alcohol-free antiseptic wipe.
5. Situate yourself comfortably and hold your penis at a 45-degree angle away from your body. Slowly insert the catheter into your urethra. If you are using a coude tip catheter, make sure the tip is pointed up. If at any time you feel pain or resistance, take a deep breath, relax, and try again while exhaling. Start over if necessary.
6. Once urine begins to flow, insert the catheter about 2.5 inches further. Then you can lower your penis to allow urine to flow naturally. After urine stops flowing, shift your body a few times to make sure all urine has been emptied, then slowly remove your catheter. If more urine drains as you are removing the catheter, wait for several seconds until the flow of urine stops. Make sure you replace the foreskin over the penis if you are circumcised.
7. Dispose of your catheter and any additional used supplies. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap.
Note: Most intermittent catheters are single-use and must be thrown away immediately after use. It’s important to never reuse a single-use catheter to prevent infections or other complications.
1. Have your supplies ready.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap, then dry completely. If soap and water are unavailable, use an antibacterial hand sanitizer. After doing so, you may also choose to wear gloves for extra precaution.
3. Remove your catheter from its packaging and apply additional lubricants if you use any. Clean the urethra by separating the labia and gently wiping it with an alcohol-free antiseptic wipe.
4. Situate yourself comfortably with your thighs spread apart. Many women find it helpful to squat slightly or to place one foot on a raised surface. Others will sit.
5. Slowly insert the catheter into your urethra. If you are using a coude tip catheter, make sure the tip is pointed up. If at any time you feel pain or resistance, take a deep breath, relax, and try again as you exhale. Start over if necessary.
6. Once urine begins to flow, insert the catheter about one inch further. After urine stops flowing, shift your body a few times to make sure all urine has been emptied, then slowly remove your catheter. If more urine drains as you are removing the catheter, wait for several seconds until the flow of urine stops.
7. Dispose of your catheter and any additional used supplies. Wash your hands again with warm water and soap
Note: Most intermittent catheters are single-use and must be thrown away immediately after use. It’s important to never reuse a single-use catheter to prevent injury and complications.
It’s normal to have a lot of questions when first starting to self-cath. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and how to address them.
Depending on your condition, self-catheterization can be a permanent or temporary treatment.
While self-catheterization is safe and user-friendly, even the most experienced user can run into problems. In this blog post, you can find a list of the most common cathing problems, and how you can address them.
Although you may experience some discomfort as you first learn to self-cath, when inserted correctly, it should not be painful.
If you’re continuously experiencing pain or discomfort, consult your healthcare provider about changing your technique or intermittent catheter. In this blog post, we discuss common causes of catheter pain and how to treat them.
Catheter insertion may cause occasional bleeding, but it should not happen all the time. Frequent bleeding may be a sign of improper technique or a greater issue that should be addressed by a healthcare professional.
Yes, there are a variety of ways to safely and confidently self-catheterize while traveling. With the right preparation and information, self-catheterization can take place almost anywhere. Check out our blog post here for our top tips on traveling with catheters.
Whether you’ve been self-cathing for years or are looking to start, Better Health offers a variety of products and services to make catheterizing easier for you.
In addition to offering many resources, Better Health works directly with your insurance and doctor to make getting your supplies easy. Interested in learning more?
Give us a call at 415-475-8444 or send us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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