Page 2 - Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization for Men

Clean intermittent

self-catheterization for men

When you drain less than 200 ml (7 oz.) at a time,
View of left hand holding penis with you may catheterize less often if you are voiding as
right hand inserting a catheter well. If you are not sure whether the bladder is full,
catheterize. Soon, you will learn to recognize a full
bladder reliably. In time, you will develop a regular
schedule. A record of the times and volumes obtained
will help your doctor fine tune your schedule.

You need not restrict any of your usual activities,
including sexual activity. It may be best to empty
the bladder. before engaging in sex. Bowel function
should not be affected and you should be able to
take all of your usual medication.

Sample record:
Roula Drossis

There may be slight resistance at the level of the
sphincter and prostate. It is important to breathe
slowly and relax your muscles. Advance the catheter
another 3 cm (about one inch) to ensure that the tip is
well into the bladder.
9. Drain urine into a container or directly into the
toilet. Gentle straining may help bladder
emptying. Take note of the amount of urine Catheter care
obtained. Generally, a catheter can be reused and cleaned
10. When urine stops flowing, withdraw the catheter for about a week unless it becomes rough, cracked
slowly. Urine may flow irregularly as additional or damaged. Inexpensive replacement catheters
pockets are drained. may be purchased from your medical supply store or
11. You may wish to wipe the penis opening with pharmacy. Keep two or three catheters on hand at all
tissue paper and then replace the foreskin in its times.
usual position.
12. Clean and store your catheter before washing Immediately after using a catheter, wash it with warm,
your hands again. soapy water and rinse it thoroughly, inside and out.
Liquid hand or dish soap is effective and safe. Allow
Your doctor or nurse will tell you how often you need the catheter to air dry on a clean surface or towel.
to catheterize. The frequency of bladder emptying Store it in a dry, paper towel or clean plastic bag.
depends on the volume and type of fluid consumed
and the bladder storage capacity. Restricting your
evening fluid consumption may prevent the need to
empty during the night.

Often, a sensation of bladder fullness will tell you when Continued on next page
you need to catheterize. Most men who empty only
with a catheter will self-catheterize four or five times
daily, about every four to six hours when the bladder
contains 400 to 500 ml (13-17 oz) of urine.

If you obtain volumes greater than 600 ml (20 oz.), you
will need to increase the frequency of catheterization.