Intermittent self-catheterization:

        

Intermittent self-catheterization is sometimes necessary for people who cannot completely empty their bladders. For instance, a person who has MS may not have proper nerve functioning in the bladder. Improper nerve functioning in the bladder could result in not feeling when you have to void, or it could cause urinary incontinence, or the inability to empty the bladder at all. People with neurological disorders affecting the bladder and women who have had gynecological surgeries are the most likely to need intermittent self-catheterization.

Another reason that an individual might need intermittent self-catheterization is if the individual needs a catheter to empty his or her bladder, but the individual is prone to urinary tract infections. Self-catheterization is safe as long as it is done properly under aseptic (clean) technique.

Whether you are a female or a male, some of the procedures will be the same. You will need to get all your equipment together such as the catheter, drainage bag or receptacle, and lubricant. Now you will need to prepare the catheter for insertion. You will need to wash your hands with soap and water. If you are a woman, you need to wash your vulva and the area where the urinary meatus is located. If you are a man, you will need to wash the head of your penis; make sure the opening on the penis is also thoroughly cleansed.

If you are a woman, you may want to lie down to catheterize yourself or do it over the toilet. With your dominant hand, hold your labia apart and insert the catheter into the meatus. You should feel immediately when you have entered into the meatus. Hold the catheter in place while the catheter drains the urine from the bladder. If you are a man, you will hold your penis upright and insert the catheter into the meatus and advance it until you see urine flowing from it. Once the urine is completely drained from your bladder remove the catheter and dispose of it (assuming it is disposable). Before disposing of the urine, record the amount of urine if you have been instructed to do so. Even if you haven’t been instructed to record the amount, it is always a good practice to note the amount, the color and if there is an odor present. Any abnormal findings should be reported to your health care practitioner.

If you’d like more information about Liberator Medical’s Catheter Supply-Care Program*, call us toll-free today at 1-866-642-6840. 

*Co-payments, deductibles and conditions apply.