How should I prepare for self-catheterization?
Your healthcare provider will show you how to perform self-catheterization. The process gets easier with practice. Before performing self-catheterization, you should:
- Try to urinate the regular way.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Wash your genitals with soap and water or an antiseptic towelette. This step lowers infection risk.
- Remove the catheter from its package being careful to keep it very clean.
- Apply a water-based lubricant on the tip and top two inches of the insertion end of the catheter if needed. Some catheters come pre-lubricated.
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How do I perform self-catheterization?
Regardless of gender, the steps for performing self-catheterization are generally the same. Females may find it helpful at first to use a mirror to find the urethral opening where urine comes out. To perform self-catheterization:
- Sit on the toilet (females may prefer to stand or squat over the toilet).
- Use firm, gentle pressure to insert the lubricated end of the catheter into the urethra.
- Hold the other end of the catheter over the toilet bowl or container.
- Slowly slide the catheter until it reaches the bladder and urine starts to flow out of the tube.
- Continue inserting the catheter another inch or two.
- Hold the catheter in place until the bladder empties.
- Slowly and gently slide out the catheter.
What should I do after finishing self-catheterization?
Cleanup is an important step to preventing infection. Always wash your hands when you finish in the bathroom. The catheters are all single-use, please dispose of it in the trash.
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How often do I need to perform self-catheterization?
Your healthcare provider can help determine how many times a day you need to empty your bladder. Most people complete the process four to six times a day or every four to six hours.
