A catheter is a tube that is inserted into your bladder, allowing urine (wee) to drain freely. The catheter tube is attached to a drainage bag (a catheter bag), where the urine can be collected. Show
Catheters are usually inserted through the urethra (the narrow tube that connects your bladder to the outside). Some people with urinary problems need catheters permanently, but more often people need them for a short time. What are the different types of catheters?There are several different types of catheters.
Why might I need to use a catheter?There are many reasons why you may need to have a catheter. Some reasons include:
Catheter problems — what to doThere are several problems you might encounter with your catheter. There is no urine draining — intermittent catheterIf urine is not draining after inserting an intermittent catheter, try coughing to help start the flow of urine. Check you have inserted the catheter correctly into the urethra. Blocked catheterIf you have an indwelling catheter, check there are no kinks in the drainage bag tubing or that the leg bag straps aren’t blocking the flow. Make sure the bag is below your bladder when you are lying, sitting or standing. If you still can’t get the urine to flow, see your doctor. The catheter may have to be flushed or replaced. Use clean towels or pads to keep yourself dry while you wait to see a healthcare professional. If you have a full bladder or are in discomfort, you will need to go to a hospital emergency department for treatment. Catheter leakageSometimes urine can bypass the catheter and leak out. This can happen if the catheter is too small or not placed properly. It can also be caused by:
Seek advice from your doctor or continence advisor if you have catheter leakage. Catheter has fallen outIf you have an indwelling urinary catheter and it falls out, call your doctor or nurse immediately or go to a hospital emergency department for treatment. InfectionSymptoms that may mean you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) include:
You may also feel unwell, have a fever or have discomfort in your lower back or around your sides. See your doctor straight away if you suspect you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you have an infection, you may need antibiotics. It’s also usually a good idea to drink more water, to flush the bacteria away. When should I see my doctor?Always see your doctor if you notice any blood in the urine or have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. You should see your doctor or continence advisor if your catheter keeps getting blocked or if you have any pain due to your catheter. Seek medical attention for any of the catheter problems mentioned above that cannot be managed with simple self-care measures. FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services. ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist. General catheter care
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
A catheter is a thin, clean hollow tube, usually made of silicone. Urinary catheterisation means to introduce a catheter into the bladder to inject or remove fluid. A urinary catheter can give a person more control over their bladder and keep them dry. Different types of urinary catheterisationThe two main types of urinary catheter are:
Indwelling cathetersIndwelling catheters remain in place continuously and are changed regularly, as required (for example every eight weeks), by a nurse. They are inserted into the bladder either through the urethra (urethral catheter) or the wall of the stomach above the pubic bone (supra-pubic catheter). A urethral catheter is the most commonly used type of indwelling catheter, but is also associated with the highest risk of infection. Both types of indwelling catheters are held in the bladder by a water-filled balloon. Indwelling catheters may be drained:
There is a variety of urine drainage bags to suit different situations. Your nurse will help you select the bags that best suit your needs. If you are unable to walk and need to use a collection bag, there are collection bags that can hold up to two litres of urine. They can be hung on your bed, your wheel chair or on a stand. If you are able to walk, there are collection bags that can be placed discreetly on your leg or belly, held by elasticised straps. These are usually worn during the day as they fit discreetly under trousers or skirts, and are easily emptied. The length of the tube can be customised to suit where you want to wear it. Larger bags can be used at night time. They are usually hung on the bed or placed on a stand on the floor. Intermittent cathetersAn intermittent catheter is when a new catheter is inserted each time you need to drain urine. It is then immediately removed. This is done at intervals similar to those at which you would go to the toilet to pass urine. This process may be referred to as ‘clean intermittent self-catheterisation’ or CISC. CISC reduces the risk of infection and kidney damage by making sure your bladder is emptied adequately at regular intervals. The equipment doesn’t interfere with a normal sexual relationship. An intermittent catheter is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. You can do this yourself, or it can be done by your healthcare worker, carer, or urology nurse. If you develop recurrent urine infections while doing CISC, see your nurse for a review. Conditions that may require urinary catheterisationUrinary catheterisation can be useful for people with bladder problems, such as:
It can also be useful on a temporary basis, such as:
Choosing the right catheter and equipmentYour health professional will help you choose the right catheter and equipment for you. This will depend upon the reason you need the catheter, how long it is expected to remain in place, and what will best suit you and your lifestyle. Decisions involved in choosing the correct catheter include:
Alternative catheter treatmentsIn some cases, male patients who are incontinent but not urine retentive may be able to wear a catheter attached to a condom. Continence training can help in some cases to re-establish bladder control, with no further need for catheterisation. Using a catheter – taking care of yourself at homeYour prescribing health practitioner or your continence, urology or community nurse will teach you how to manage your catheter at home. This includes how to deal with common problems that may arise, such as an infection. Where to get help
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This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
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