Urinary catheter pain:

        

A catheter is a rubber tube which is inserted into the body through the urethra until it reaches the neck of the bladder. These catheters are used to monitor urine, taking into consideration the flow, consistency, and sediment found in the urine. The basic catheter's function is to contain the flow of the urine within the tube and release it into a waste bag that is attached to the outside of the body.

A health care professional, usually a nurse, will be responsible for inserting and removing the catheter for patients. Sometimes, if the catheter is to be used for a long period of time the recipient will be asked to take out the catheter on his or her own.

Some people will experience urinary catheter pain if the catheter is either improperly inserted or removed. Though the health care professional should be well trained, it is possible to cause some tissue scarring that will produce pain. It is also possible that a catheter recipient can do the same by yanking out the catheter instead of giving it a gentle pull. Sometimes an inexperienced nurse or health care professional will have trouble inserting the catheter into the meatus of a woman who is obese, because the internal structures may be out of position due to the extra weight. Other issues that would make the location of the internal organs more difficult include: age, childbirth, and female genital cutting. Placing the catheter in the wrong place will sometimes produce pain.

Acute urinary retention or the inability to release urine, even with the catheter in place, can cause excruciating pain. This is a very serious matter which requires emergency medical treatment. If left unaided it could lead to serious bladder, kidney or heart problems that can be fatal. Bladder infections caused by bacteria, and bleeding, in either males or females can cause pain as well.

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.