How to Help Reduce the Risk of UTIs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be a common concern for people who use catheters. UTIs related to catheter use are sometimes called catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
If you have symptoms of a UTI or recurring infections while using catheters, talk to your urologist or prescribing healthcare provider. They’re the right source for determining the cause and the right treatment based on your individual needs.
Here are some tips that may help reduce the risk of UTIs due to contamination. Plus, we’ll go over a few common hygiene and safety tips to address common issues that people who use catheters sometimes face.
Tips That May Help Lower the Risk of Catheter-Associated UTIs
These tips are not medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for catheter use, hygiene, insertion, and how often to catheterize.
1. Wash your hands before and after catheterizing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to help reduce the spread of bacteria.
Just wet your hands with clean running water, apply soap, and lather for at least 20 seconds. After you’re done, rinse your hands well under running water, then dry your hands on a clean towel.
If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer may work. Talk to your healthcare provider for their recommendations.
2. Avoid reusing single-use catheters.
Intermittent catheters are typically labeled for sterile, single-use. Reusing a single-use catheter may increase the chance of contamination.
One clinical study in 2020 found that among reused intermittent catheters, all collected catheters showed debris contamination, and 74% were contaminated by microorganisms.¹
This suggests that sterile catheterization (using a catheter once and then throwing it away without cleaning or reusing it) may help reduce the risk of contamination.
3. Follow your prescribed catheterization schedule.
Your urologist or healthcare provider may prescribe intermittent catheterization a certain number of times each day.
It’s important to follow your prescription and not let your bladder get too full. When urine stays in the bladder too long, bacteria may have more time to grow.
Have trouble remembering when to cath? Here are a few quick tips.
- Set recurring alarms or reminders on your phone or smartwatch.
- Catheterize at the same times of day to get into the habit.
4. Use the catheter type and size your healthcare provider prescribes.
Catheters come in different types, lengths, materials, and sizes. Using the wrong catheter size or type for your needs may make catheterization feel more uncomfortable or difficult.
If the catheter you’re using doesn’t feel right for you or is not easy to use, talk with your healthcare provider. They may suggest a different size, type, or technique.
You can also contact 180 Medical to learn about product options that may be available, based on your prescription and insurance coverage.
5. Only open your catheter when you’re ready to use it.
To help reduce the chance of contamination, keep your catheter inside its sealed package until you’re ready to use it.
If you use catheter insertion supplies, such as gloves and wipes, use those items as directed by your healthcare provider before opening or handling your intermittent catheter.
6. Avoid touching the catheter tube when possible.
Touching the part of the catheter that will be inserted to drain your bladder may increase the risk of contamination from your hands.
Washing your hands well or wearing gloves may help. Some people handle their straight catheter by the funnel end during insertion to avoid touching the tube.
Today, many intermittent catheters are designed with features that may help reduce hand contact with the catheter, such as protective handling sleeves or integrated collection bags in closed system catheters.
Wondering if your insurance covers catheters with “no-touch” features? 180 Medical can verify your coverage and help you explore your product options based on your prescription and insurance.
7. If you think you have a UTI, talk to your healthcare provider.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a UTI, contact your healthcare provider. They’re the right source for diagnosing the issue and determining a treatment.
They may also review your catheterization schedule, technique, catheter type, fluid intake, medication history, or other health factors.
Do not start taking supplements, antibiotics, or other UTI treatments unless your healthcare provider recommends or prescribes them.
Need Help Finding Catheter Supplies?
At 180 Medical, we have over 20 years of experience in helping people nationwide find the right catheter for their needs. We provide high-quality supplies with caring support, reliable service, and discreet, free shipping.
Our founder, Todd Brown, knows firsthand what it’s like to experience catheter-associated UTIs. After his spinal cord injury in 1994, he was taught to wash and reuse the same catheter, and he began to have recurring infections.
Once he learned about single-use catheters and began practicing sterile intermittent catheterization, his quality of life improved. That’s part of what inspired him to create 180 Medical.
180 Medical offers:
- A wide variety of high-quality catheters from leading brands
- Caring, reliable service
- Easy reordering options, including the My 180 Medical App
- Free samples and free, discreet shipping
- And customer support that doesn’t stop at the first order
We’re ready to help you. Reach out to us to get started!
1. Newman DK, New PW, Heriseanu R, et al. Intermittent catheterization with single- or multiple-reuse catheters: clinical study on safety and impact on quality of life. Int Urol Nephrol. 2020;52(8):1443-1451. doi:10.1007/s11255-020-02435-9
Disclaimer: Information provided on 180medical.com is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition, treatment, or medical supply needs.