A urinary catheter is a hollow, soft tube that is inserted into the bladder and used to drain pee. Catheters are occasionally required for persons who are unable to empty their bladder in the traditional way, that is, by passing urine into a toilet or urinal, for a variety of reasons. When continuous bladder drainage is required, indwelling catheters are typically used for a few weeks or months. However, they are occasionally required for longer periods of time. Onlymyhealth editorial team talked to Mr. Rahul Tyagi, Director- Operations, Porvoo Transition Care, about reasons and tips to use a urinary catheter.
Why is catheter care important?
Catheters are made of a variety of materials, allowing them to be left in place for several weeks. A urinary catheter is a small, flexible tube that is inserted into your bladder to discharge pee. A water-filled balloon holds it inside your bladder.
You may notice some blood or pee surrounding the catheter's entry point into your body. When you're walking or having a bowel movement, this can happen (pooping). As long as urine is draining into the drainage bag, this is normal. Call your healthcare practitioner if your urine isn't emptying into the drainage bag.
Urinary catheter uses
Urinary catheter should only be used if recommended by the doctor. It is mostly suggested to people who face difficulties when urinating. The reasons to use a urinary catheter are listed below:
- Urinary retention
- Urinary incontinence
- Can't control urine
- Injury to the urethra
- Blockage in the urethra
- To deliver medication directly into a person's bladder
How to use urinary catheter?
You can clean your catheter while taking a bath. Here's how you can use the urinary catheter:
1. You need a mild soap, water and a Cath-Secure to clean the catheter
2. Wash your hands properly using a mild soap and warm water or you can also use an alcohol dominant hand sanitizer
3. Using the soap and water, wash and clean your genital area
4. Clean your urethra (urinary opening), because the catheter has to enter your body from there
5. Clean the catheter from the part it enters your body and then the other end too, even if it has to be away from your body. Hold the catheter from the point where it has to enter your body so that you do not put pressure on it
6. Wash the area properly and dry it gently
7. If you remove your old Cath-Secure, then use the new tube holder to attach the catheter to your leg to prevent any movement
Tips for catheter care
According to Dr. Rahul, follow these guidelines to prevent getting infections while you have your catheter in place:
- Keep your drainage bag below the level of your bladder
- Do not keep the drainage bag on the floor at any time
- Keep the catheter at a safe place, close your thigh to prevent it from moving
- Do not lay down on your catheter or restrict the flow of urine in the tubing
- Take a bath daily to keep your catheter clean
- Wash the hands frequently and especially before and after touching the urinary catheter or drainage bag
- Change the drainage bags regularly
- Wash your drainage bags daily
- Drink atleast 1-2 glasses of liquid content daily with a gap of two hours while you are awake