Whether you’re new to self-catheterization or you’ve been self-cathing for a while, proper technique matters.
With your healthcare provider’s guidance, a bit of practice, and the right catheter supplies, these tips may help support a cleaner, more comfortable self-catheterization routine.
SELF-CATHETERIZATION DOs: Tips for Self-Cathing
1. Gather all your catheter supplies before beginning.
Before you self-cath, make sure you have the catheter supplies you need within reach.
For example, if you use a straight, uncoated catheter, you’ll need a sterile, water-soluble catheter lubricant ready.
Depending on individual needs, prescription, and insurance coverage, some other common catheter insertion supplies may include:
- Gloves: Optional, but may help reduce the risk of contamination.
- Disinfectant wipes: Some may prefer to use antiseptic wipes or swabs to clean the area where the catheter will be inserted.
- Drape: A drape or paper towels can help provide a clean surface for setting down your supplies before self-catheterization.
- Mirror: This may help you better see the insertion area, especially if you’re new to self-cathing.
2. Maintain a clean environment for self-cathing.
When you’re away from home, you can still take steps to keep your routine and area as clean as possible.
These steps may help reduce the risk of contamination:
- Wash your hands thoroughly. If clean water and soap are not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Put on gloves if you use them.
- Clean the urethral opening with antiseptic wipes before inserting your catheter.
You may also have options that may help support a no-touch catheterization technique, such as ready-to-use catheters or closed system catheter kits.
3. Follow your prescribed self-catheterization schedule.
When your healthcare provider prescribes catheters, they’ll let you know how often to catheterize. Follow your catheterization schedule as closely as possible.
If you get busy and miss your scheduled time, try to self-cath as soon as you’re able.
4. Use the right catheter product for your needs.
There’s no single catheter type or brand that’s right for everyone. People use intermittent catheters for different reasons. Catheter needs can vary based on anatomy, diagnosis, hand dexterity, and personal preference.
At 180 Medical, we carry a variety of intermittent catheter types from trusted brands. Our trained specialists can help you explore your options, based on your prescription and insurance coverage.
5. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water for your needs.
Staying hydrated may help support your bladder health and overall health.
Your healthcare provider may recommend a certain amount of fluid based on your body, diagnosis, and bladder management routine.
Talk to your doctor or prescribing healthcare provider about how much water or other fluids are right for you. This is especially important if you have been placed on fluid restrictions or have kidney concerns, a heart condition, or another medical condition that may affect how much fluid you should drink.
6. Follow proper self-catheterization instructions for safety.
Using the correct technique and practicing proper hygiene may help reduce discomfort and the risk of contamination or infection.
If you’re not sure how to use catheters, ask your healthcare provider for clear instructions before you begin.
180 Medical offers step-by-step instructions for learning self-catheterization at www.HowToCath.com. Our site also includes helpful product video guides for men, women, and children.
7. Ask if your insurance plan covers catheter supplies.
If you’re paying out of pocket for your supplies, check whether your health insurance covers catheters.
Many insurance plans may cover intermittent catheters when they are medically necessary and prescribed by a healthcare provider.
180 Medical can verify your insurance benefits, explain your catheter coverage, and help you understand your benefits, such as what types are covered and how many catheters you may be eligible to receive per month, based on your prescription.
SELF-CATHETERIZATION DON’Ts
1. Don’t reuse intermittent catheters.
Intermittent catheters are designed as single-use medical devices. This means they should be used once and then thrown away according to the product instructions.
Research suggests that using a sterile catheter once and then throwing it away without reusing it may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
2. Don’t use someone else’s catheters.
Using someone else’s catheters may seem convenient, but it may be unsafe. Intermittent catheters are prescribed based on an individual’s unique anatomy and medical needs, including the catheter French size.
For example, some people require a coudé tip catheter, while others may use a straight tip. Using the wrong tip or French size may cause irritation or injury.
Also, catheter supplies someone is trying to give away may have expired, making them unsafe to use. Check your catheter package labels for the expiration date.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure what’s right for your needs.
3. Don’t use petroleum jelly to lubricate your catheter.
Do not use petroleum jelly as a catheter lubricant. A sterile, water-soluble lubricant made for catheters is designed to provide a smoother insertion and may be more comfortable.
4. Don’t forget to activate your hydrophilic catheter.
Your catheter needs enough lubrication to provide a smooth catheterization experience and help reduce friction in the urethra.
Hydrophilic catheters have a coating or properties that become slippery when activated by water. While there are ready-to-use options, many hydrophilic catheters require activation before use, typically by popping an included water packet.
If you use a hydrophilic catheter that requires an activation step, follow the package directions to ensure the catheter is slippery and ready before insertion.
If you prefer a ready-to-use catheter that doesn’t require activation, contact 180 Medical to learn about your options based on your prescription and insurance coverage.
5. Don’t leave behind your catheters when traveling or away from home.
When you’re away from home, it’s important to continue following your prescribed self-catheterization schedule. Bring enough catheters to last for your entire trip or outing, plus a few extras in case your plans change.
Planning a trip? We have a helpful article full of tips for traveling with your catheters.
6. Don’t ignore the signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
How do you know when you have a UTI? Some possible signs of a urinary tract infection include:
- Fever or chills
- An increased urge to urinate
- An increased need to urinate more often
- Urine that looks cloudy or smells strong
- A burning sensation
- Blood in urine
If you have signs of a UTI, contact your healthcare provider promptly so they can properly diagnose your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
It’s normal to feel nervous when you’re starting something new, like learning to use a catheter. You might worry about discomfort, privacy, or correct technique. With practice, self-catheterization can become more familiar to you.
Not sure where to start? Don’t be afraid to talk to your healthcare provider for their guidance.
If you have questions about your catheter product options or insurance coverage for the supplies you need, 180 Medical is here to help. Just reach out to get started.
References
McCollum, B. J., Garigan, T., & Earwood, J. (2020). PURL: Can drinking more water prevent urinary tract infections?. The Journal of Family Practice, 69(3), E19–E20.
Kathleen Christison, Walter Matthias, Jean-Jacques J.M. Wyndaele, Michael Kennelly, Thomas M. Kessler, Vanessa K. Noonan, Fallah Nader, and Andrei V. Krassioukov. (2018). Intermittent Catheterization: The Devil Is in the Details. Journal of Neurotrauma.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Information provided on 180medical.com 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.
