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How to Use Your Catheter

Navigating life with intermittent catheters can be daunting, but we're here to support you every step of the way. This guide aims to help you feel confident and comfortable in using your catheter.

a woman sitting on the floor holding a bottle of water

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Preparing Your Catheter

To reduce the risk of infection, thoroughly wash and dry your hands with warm, soapy water. Next, clean your genital area. For men, if necessary, gently pull back your foreskin to clean your penis, especially around the urethral opening. For women, gently wipe from front to back.

Get into the position that you find most comfortable near or on the toilet. If you use a wheelchair, you can position yourself in your wheelchair or on the toilet.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to prepare your catheter. Some catheters come with a separate lubrication packet or water sachet, while others are ready to use immediately. Be careful not to touch the length of the catheter to avoid the risk of infection as you remove it from the packaging.

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Insertion and Voiding

For men: Hold your penis near the end, pulling it slightly to stretch and straighten the urethra, and point your penis upwards towards your stomach. Insert the catheter tip into your urethral opening, ensuring the curved tip of a Coudé catheter faces upwards. If you encounter resistance, apply gentle but firm pressure. Once urine begins to flow, you have successfully reached your bladder.

For women: Spread your labia and lift gently to locate your urethra. Insert the catheter tip into your urethral opening without touching other parts of your body. Continue pushing the catheter in until urine begins to drain, then push the catheter in another inch to ensure it is properly placed in the bladder. Some women can have difficulty with correct insertion at first, so it can be useful to use a mirror.

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Removal & Disposal

Once urine has stopped flowing, gently remove the catheter. If more urine begins to flow during removal, pause and let it finish. Ensure your bladder is completely emptied before fully removing the catheter.

Dispose of the catheter, packaging and any additional items in a bin. If you’re using a urine collection bag, discard it or drain it into the toilet. Ensure you always use a new catheter each time you self-catheterise; intermittent catheters are single-use only devices. Lastly thoroughly wash and dry your hands

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Tips for Effective Catheterisation

Don’t Force the Catheter: If you encounter resistance, relax and try again after a few minutes. Coughing may also help.
Use Plenty of Lubrication: This reduces friction and makes the process more comfortable.
Consider a Coudé Tip Catheter: If a straight catheter is difficult to insert, a Coudé tip may be more suitable.
Don’t Reuse Catheters: Always use a new sterile catheter to reduce the risk of infections.
Watch for Red Flags: Contact your healthcare professional if you experience pain, frequent urination, blood in your urine, or signs of a UTI.
Prepare for potential spills and leaks: urine can leak around the edge of a catheter, this is a good reason to use an under pad or a bathroom towel as you get used to self-catheterisation.

If you encounter any issues or have concerns, always consult your healthcare professional.

1. Håkansson MÅ. Reuse versus single-use catheters for intermittent catheterization: what is safe and preferred? Review of current status. Spinal Cord. 2014;52(7):511-516. doi:10.1038/sc.2014.79