Page 2 - Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization for Women

Clean intermittent

self-catheterization for women

View of left hand spreading the labia with right Sample record:
hand inserting a catheter into the urethra

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
5. Lubricate the catheter tip with water soluble lubricant. affected and you should be able to take all of your usual
medication.
6. With your non-dominant hand (i.e. left hand for right-
handed women), spread your labia with your index
and ring fingers to expose the urethral opening. You Catheter care
may feel for the urethral opening with the tip of your Generally, a catheter can be reused and cleaned for
middle finger. about a week or so unless it becomes rough, cracked or
7. Using your dominant hand, slowly insert the catheter damaged. Inexpensive replacement catheters may be
into the urethra until urine begins to flow (about 5 cm purchased from your medical supply store or pharmacy.
or two inches). It is important to breathe slowly and Keep two or three catheters on hand at all times.
relax your muscles. Advance the catheter another
3 cm (about one inch) to ensure that the tip is well into Immediately after using a catheter, wash it with warm,
the bladder. soapy water and rinse it thoroughly, inside and out. Liquid
8. Drain urine into a container or directly into the toilet. hand or dish soap is effective and safe. Allow it to air dry
Gentle straining may help bladder emptying. Take on a clean surface or towel. Store the catheter in a dry,
note of the amount of urine obtained. paper towel or clean plastic bag.
9. When urine stops flowing, withdraw the catheter
slowly. Urine may flow irregularly as additional pockets Continued on next page
are drained.
10. You may wish to wipe the urethral opening with tissue
paper.
11. Clean and store your catheter before washing your
hands again.
Your doctor or nurse will tell you how often you need to
catheterize. The frequency of bladder emptying 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
you need to catheterize. Most women 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.
If you are voiding on your own and you catheterize for
less than 200 ml (7 oz.) at a time, you may be instructed
to catheterize less often, If you are not sure whether the
bladder is full, catheterize. In time, you will develop a
regular schedule. A record of the times and volumes
obtained will help your doctor fine tune your schedule.