Page 1 - Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization for Men
P. 1
Urological Health
Clean intermittent
self-catheterization for men
CIC is a safe and effective way of emptying the bladder when it fails to empty completely on
its own. Many men find that their health and quality of life are improved with CIC.
our doctor has recommended clean intermittent Supplies required
Yself-catheterization (CIC) to help you empty your
bladder. Urine is produced by the kidneys and carried • A clear plastic or soft rubber catheter, usually
to the bladder where it is stored. When emptying size 12, 14 or 16 French
is appropriate, the bladder outlet control muscle • Water soluble lubricant (e.g. KY Jelly™,
(sphincter) normally relaxes while the bladder muscle Muko™, etc). Do not use petroleum jelly
contracts to expel the urine through the urethra (e.g. Vaseline™) or mineral oil.
(“urine passage”).
• Soapy wash cloth, disposable towelettes or
unscented diaper wipes
Side view of male bladder, • Clean, dry towel
prostate and urethra • Urine collection container, if desired
• Catheter storage container (e.g. ziplock bag)
Roula Drossis bladder Self-catheterization technique
rectum
Proper “clean” technique (no disinfectant or gloves
required) will usually prevent infection without the
prostate
urethra need for absolute sterility. Catheterization may be
sphincter performed in any clean washroom; counter space
penis within reach is useful.
1. Assemble the necessary supplies and have them
close at hand.
2. If possible, try to void without straining.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water,
Sometimes, the bladder may not empty completely or then, rinse and dry. It is best to keep your fingernails
at all, usually because of obstruction of its outlet (e.g. short and clean.
enlargement of the prostate) or weakening of the 4. Get into a comfortable position; you may
bladder muscle. The bladder must then be emptied catheterize yourself standing, sitting in front of or
through a plastic or rubber tube, a catheter, passed on a toilet or propped up in bed.
through the urethra. 5. Retract the foreskin, if you are not circumcised.
Wash the head of the penis with soap and water,
In some cases, a catheter may be left in place, then rinse with water and dry. A damp towelette
draining urine continuously into a collection bag. After can be used as an alternative.
several weeks, this may lead to urinary infection and
stone formation, as well as the discomfort of having 6. Generously lubricate about 8 cm (three inches) of
the catheter tip with water soluble lubricant.
a catheter in the urethra and the inconvenience
of carrying a urine collection bag. For many men 7. With your non-dominant hand (i.e. left hand for
with incomplete bladder emptying, it is possible to right-handed men), grasp the penis just behind
learn to insert and remove a catheter themselves its head and pull it gently and slightly upward to
(CIC), decreasing the risk of infection and minimizing straighten the urethra.
discomfort with little inconvenience. 8. Using your dominant hand, slowly insert the
catheter into the urethra until urine begins to flow.
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