When hearing the term “urinary catheterization,” many people may feel scared and think it cannot be done by themselves. However, if we know the correct methods and steps, we can catheterize ourselves cleanly and safely.
What is urinary catheterization?
Urinary catheterization is the insertion of a small tube catheter through the genitalia deep into the bladder to drain urine. Normally, a healthy person urinates 4-7 times during the day and 1-2 times at night. However, in cases of post-surgical patients or those who cannot urinate normally due to bodily impairments, if left without catheterization, complications may arise, including infections or bladder and urinary tract stones. In such cases, doctors recommend catheterization.
For post-surgical patients who have problems with incomplete urination due to abnormal bladder function, doctors will perform catheterization during hospital recovery and teach methods that can be done independently at home. Most bladders will return to normal function within 1-2 weeks after surgery.
Self-catheterization equipment
Self-catheterization requires the following equipment:
- A catheter set contained in a sterilizing solution
- Water-soluble lubricant
- One urine collection cup
- Liquid soap or bar soap for cleaning
- A mirror (for females, to facilitate visibility)
8 steps for clean and safe self-catheterization (Self-catheterization)
The catheterization steps for males and females are similar as follows:
- Wash hands thoroughly with water and soap.
- Clean the genital area
- Male: Clean the genital area by pulling back the foreskin, lathering the urethral opening, penis, scrotum, and groin in order.
- Female: Clean the genital area from front to back with water and soap.
- Wash hands thoroughly again with water and soap.
- Catheterization procedure
- Male: Sit with legs spread firmly. Use the non-dominant hand to hold the catheter cap, pull the catheter out from the sterilizing solution tube. Hold the catheter with the dominant hand, then slide the hand holding the catheter to the middle of the catheter. Squeeze lubricant onto the catheter tip. Use the non-dominant hand to pull back the foreskin and hold the penis at about a 60-degree angle. Gently insert the catheter until urine starts to flow, then insert another 1-2 inches. When urine stops flowing, slowly withdraw the catheter while using a finger to close the catheter opening to prevent urine backflow. Observe the urine’s appearance, color, and smell for abnormalities and measure the urine volume, recording it. If the urine is cloudy, foul-smelling, and accompanied by fever or chills, see a doctor immediately.
- Female: Sit in a comfortable position where the urethral opening is clearly visible. Arrange equipment for easy access and place the urine collection cup beside the mirror. Use the non-dominant hand to spread the genitalia with the index and middle fingers, pulling slightly upward. Use the mirror to clearly see the urethral opening. Then, hold the catheter with the dominant hand and gently insert it without force. When the catheter is inserted about 3 inches, release the genitalia and move the mirror away. Allow urine to flow into the collection cup. When urine stops flowing, press the lower abdomen 1-2 times, wait for urine to stop again, then slowly withdraw the catheter while using a finger to close the catheter opening to prevent urine backflow. Observe the urine’s appearance, color, and smell for abnormalities and measure the urine volume, recording it. If the urine is cloudy, foul-smelling, and accompanied by fever or chills, see a doctor immediately.
- Wash hands thoroughly again with water and soap.
- Clean the catheter with water and soap thoroughly, shake off all water, replace the cap, and store the catheter in the sterilizing solution tube.
- Clean other equipment and air dry.
- Boil the catheter in boiling water for at least 20 minutes and change the sterilizing solution daily.
Note: The above method is a brief guideline to ensure safe self-catheterization and reduce the risk of infection. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before performing self-catheterization for the first time.
