Self Catherization Procedure

Procedure

1. Wash hands with soap and water.

2. Prepare equipment.

3. Urinate, if possible.

4. Stand, sit, or lie down, whichever is easier.

At this point, the procedure differs for women and men

Women

1. Spread labia and pull up.

2. Cleanse the urethral opening using downward strokes, front to back, with a cotton ball soaked with soap and water.

3. Remove catheter from clean container.

4. Squeeze lubricant onto a tissue and coat the 2-3 inches of the catheter that will go into the urethra. Lubricant must be water soluble.

5. Spread labia apart and gently insert the catheter into the urethra, upward and toward the back, approximately 2 inches, until urine flows.

6. Allow the bladder to empty completely.

7. Slowly rotate and begin to withdraw the catheter. Stop each time urine drains out.

8. To completely remove the catheter, pinch off the end near the body and pull it out. This prevents urine from flowing back into the bladder.

9. Check for unusual odor and/or cloudy urine. Be aware of any changes that should be reported to the physician.

10. Wash hands.

Men

1. Hold penis up with one hand and cleanse the tip with a cotton ball moistened with soap and water. Wash in a circular motion, starting at the urethra and working outward.

2. Squeeze lubricant onto a tissue and coat the end of the catheter that will go into the urethra. Lubricant must be water soluble.

3. Hold the penis up and gently insert the catheter into the urethra.

4. Once half the length of the catheter has been inserted, lower the penis and slide the catheter until it reaches the bladder and urine flows.

5. Allow the bladder to empty completely.

6. Slowly rotate and begin to withdraw the catheter. Stop each time urine drains out.

7. To completely remove the catheter, pinch off the end near the body and pull it out. This prevents urine from flowing back into the bladder.

8. Check for unusual odor and/or cloudy urine. Be aware of any changes that should be reported to the physician.

9. Wash hands.

Cleaning the catheter

To clean the catheter after each use, do the following:

1. Wash in warm soapy water.

2. Run tap water through the catheter and then allow it to air dry on a paper towel.

3. Store it in a clean container.

An option to cleaning after each use is to soak the catheter in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts tap water, once a week, to keep urine crystals from forming on the inside.

A catheter should be discarded when it begins to lose flexibility or becomes discolored.

The above opinionated views and information serves to educated and informed consumer .  The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. .It should not replaced professional advise and consultation.A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions