Self-catheterization

self-catheterization may be used to control incontinence, which is the inability to control the flow of urine, or to assist with the inability to empty the bladder.

Steps to catheterizing one's self

• Clean your hands and genitalia with warm, soapy water.
• Assume a comfortable position - standing, sitting or lying down.
• Have a basin or the toilet handy for urine collection.

Men

• Pull the penis up and out, holding it by the tip at a 45 degree angle away from the body.

Women

• Locate the urethra using a mirror or by placing the middle, ring and little fingers on the vagina and locating the urethra with the index finger. Keep the lips of the vulva spread to insert the catheter.
• Insert the catheter slowly into the urethra. The catheter may be lubricated with water-soluble lubricating (not petroleum jelly). If the catheter becomes hard to insert, take a deep breath and bear down as if trying to urinate.
• When urine starts to flow, stop inserting the catheter.
• When the urine stops, remove the catheter
• Wash, rinse and air dry the catheter. Store it in a clean storage container (i.e., plastic bag or such).

Concerns that are normal:

• A small amount of blood in the urine

Concerns that should be addressed at once:

• Foul-smelling urine
• Gross blood in urine
• Inability to insert catheter or increasing pain upon insertion
• Leakage between catheterizations
• Lower abdominal or lower back pain
• No urine flow
• Sand-like sediment in the urine
• Temperature 101.5 or greater