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If you're experiencing difficulty urinating due to various health conditions, your doctor may recommend the use of a catheter. It's crucial to follow your doctor's advice and ideally have the catheter inserted by a trained medical professional. If you need to insert a catheter at home, you will need to gather the necessary supplies and insert the catheter properly, being extremely careful to follow sterile guidelines. Only insert a catheter yourself after instruction from a trained nurse or physician. You can then address common issues that may arise with the catheter so it functions correctly.
Steps
Collecting Equipment
Get a catheter. Most individuals will require a 14–16 French size catheter. Foley catheters can be obtained from medical supply stores, online, or from your physician.
- Pediatric patients and adult males with naturally small urethras may require a 10 French size or smaller catheter.
- If you encounter an obstruction, seek professional assistance. Handling a three-way irrigation large catheter to address the obstruction without pushing against it is complex and should be performed by trained individuals. This procedure is not recommended for self-catheterization.
- Some catheters are sold as kits with the catheter and an antiseptic solution for sterilization. Follow the kit instructions to ensure proper sterilization of the catheter. Check kit expiration dates upon receipt to ensure usability.
- Although using a catheter may be challenging initially, it will become easier and more routine with time.
- If you have any queries, seek advice from a nurse specialized in managing incontinence.
Ensure you have an adequate supply of single-use catheters, using each one only once. Most catheters are designed for single use to maintain sterility. They are individually packaged for convenience and disposal.
- While some catheters can be cleaned with soap and water, consult your doctor before attempting to wash them.
Acquire water-based lubricating jelly. You'll need lubricating jelly to lubricate the tip of the catheter, facilitating easier insertion into the urethra. The lubricant must be sterile and come in single-dose packets to ensure safety and prevent contamination.
- Opt for water-based lubricating jelly to minimize irritation to your urinary tract.
Prepare a receptacle for urine collection. Have a container or urine bag readily available to collect urine as it exits the catheter. Use a small, deep plastic container or a specialized urine bag.
Obtain medical gloves. Always wear medical gloves whether inserting an in-and-out catheter or an indwelling catheter. Clean and protect your hands throughout the insertion process.
- Urinary retention increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Using non-sterile instruments during catheterization significantly elevates this risk. Sterile gloves and proper technique are recommended.
Preparing for Catheter Insertion
Cleanse your hands with soap and water. Begin by thoroughly washing your hands using warm water and soap. Ensure that your hands are clean before donning gloves and handling the catheter.
- Choose a clean and unobstructed area in your home, such as your bathroom floor, to unwrap the catheter.
- It's essential to maintain cleanliness throughout the process to avoid contamination.
Assume a seated position. Sit with your legs bent and place a bath towel or waterproof pad beneath your penis for comfort and cleanliness. Ensure easy access to your penis with your hands.
- Alternatively, stand in front of the toilet if you can comfortably reach your penis. Direct the catheter's end into the toilet for direct drainage.
Cleanse the area surrounding your penis. Wash your penis with warm water, soap, and a washcloth, ensuring to clean in circular motions. For uncircumcised individuals, retract the foreskin and wash thoroughly.
- Thoroughly cleanse the head of your penis and the urinary meatus (urinary opening).
- Rinse and dry your penis before placing the urine collection container nearby for easy access.
Apply lubricating jelly to the catheter's tip. Coat the top portion of the catheter with lubricating jelly, covering approximately 7 to 10 inches (18 to 25 cm) of its length. This lubrication facilitates smoother insertion.
Insert the catheter with care. Hold your penis straight out with your non-dominant hand while using your dominant hand to gently insert the catheter into the urinary meatus. Ensure it's positioned correctly and keep it steady until urine starts to flow.
- Gently push the catheter around 7 to 10 inches (18 to 25 cm) into your penis. Once urine begins to flow, advance it another inch (2.5 cm) and maintain its position.
- Direct the other end of the catheter into a container or toilet for proper urine disposal.
Inflate the catheter's collection bag if necessary. Some catheters feature a collection bag that requires inflation using sterile water. Inflate it with the specified volume of water using a sterile syringe, ensuring proper urine collection while urinating.
- Attach the inflated collection bag to the catheter, positioning the balloon over your bladder's urethral opening for effective urine collection.
- Verify urine flow through the catheter before inflating the balloon.
Remove the catheter promptly after urination. Pinch the catheter's top closed and gently withdraw it once urination is complete to avoid urinary tract complications. Ensure proper disposal of any attached collection bag and maintain hygiene.
- For uncircumcised individuals, retract the foreskin to protect the penis.
- Discard used medical gloves and thoroughly wash your hands.
Maintain catheter hygiene. Clean reusable catheters with soap and warm water after each use, sterilizing them in boiling water for infection prevention. Store them in clean plastic bags. Dispose of single-use catheters appropriately and replace damaged ones.
- Follow your doctor's recommendations regarding catheter usage frequency.
Dealing with Common Challenges
Try rotating the catheter if urine flow is obstructed. If you encounter difficulty with urine flow after catheter insertion, gently rotate the catheter to clear any blockages. Adjust its position slightly by pushing it further or pulling it back, ensuring the catheter opening is unobstructed.
- Check for obstructions caused by lubricant or mucus and clear them if necessary. If urine flow remains absent, try coughing to stimulate it.
Apply additional lubricant for easier catheter insertion. Inserting the catheter may be painful, especially around the prostate area. Apply more lubricant to ease insertion, and try to relax by taking deep breaths. If insertion remains difficult, avoid forcing it and consider trying again later.
- Take breaks between attempts and focus on staying calm and relaxed.
Consult a doctor for persistent urination issues. If you encounter difficulties urinating with the catheter or experience abnormal symptoms such as blood or mucus in urine, seek medical advice promptly. Similarly, consult a doctor if you notice cloudy or foul-smelling urine, abdominal cramps, or feverish sensations.
- Addressing underlying urinary issues is crucial before attempting catheterization again.
Consider catheterization before engaging in sexual activity. Catheterization before sex helps remove residual urine from the bladder, facilitating comfortable intercourse. Always remove the catheter before sex, and refrain from intercourse if urine odor suggests a potential infection, seeking medical treatment instead.
- Ensure proper hygiene and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.
