Do catheters hurt? Intermittent catheterization may not always feel comfortable at first, especially if you’re new to using catheters. However, using a catheter should not cause pain, bleeding, burning, or serious discomfort.
The good news is that catheter pain doesn’t have to be the norm. Below are five helpful tips for addressing painful catheterization.
Top 5 Tips That May Help Reduce Pain During Catheterization
Catheter pain doesn’t have to be something you just put up with. These tips may help you understand the common causes of discomfort during intermittent catheterization. Plus, 180 Medical’s specialists are here to help you explore alternate catheter options that may help make cathing feel easier and more comfortable.
1. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on proper catheter insertion technique.
When you’re prescribed intermittent catheterization, your healthcare provider, such as your urologist or urology nurse, will likely go over the steps for hygienic, safe self-catheterization. They will show you how to insert your catheter, including the correct position that may be right for you.
When you get home, it’s important to continue following the prescribed technique and catheterization schedule.
If you still have questions or need help with learning the process, 180 Medical is here to help. We offer lots of educational content and tips for people new to catheterization on our blog. Plus, we offer free step-by-step self-cathing guides and instructional videos for learning catheterization at HowToCath.com.
These may be helpful as you practice self-catheterization on your own.
However, if you experience severe or ongoing pain, difficulty with insertion, difficulty with draining the bladder with a catheter, or bleeding, reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
2. Consider a catheter with polished eyelets.
Catheter drainage eyelets are the small holes through which urine drains, typically located on or near the insertion tip of your urinary catheter.
Some catheter manufacturers use a process similar to punching a hole in a sheet of paper to create catheter eyelets. This may create rough edges that sometimes create friction and discomfort in the urethra, which may be one potential cause of uncomfortable or painful catheterization.
180 Medical offers a wide range of intermittent catheters from a wide range of trusted brands, including options with smooth, polished eyelets.
If you’ve been using one type or brand of catheter for years, there are all kinds of new catheter technologies available on the market designed to make catheterization more comfortable, such as ready-to-use hydrophilic catheters.
Talk to our friendly specialists about your catheter options and request samples today!
3. Apply lubricant as directed when using uncoated catheters.
When using straight intermittent catheters, applying a sterile, water-based catheter lubricant before insertion may help reduce friction and discomfort.
Not sure how to apply lubricant to your uncoated catheter? There are several methods you can try, which may just take a bit of practice and trial and error.
Here are 3 ways people lubricate their uncoated catheters:
- Use clean scissors to cut the sterile lubricant packet open at both ends or tear it with your hands at the perforated edges. Then, gripping the catheter by its funnel end and taking care not to touch the catheter tube directly, slide the entire length of the tube into the open lubricant packet to coat it thoroughly.
- Squeeze your lubricant out directly onto the catheter tube, specifically the portion that will be inserted into your body. Then you can spread the lubricant while wearing clean or sterile gloves.
- Another way some people like to lubricate their catheter is to open the catheter package and squeeze lubricant into it. From there, just manipulate the catheter inside the package to ensure it’s well coated before withdrawing it for use. This way, you can ensure the catheter is well coated without ever directly touching it.
4. Try a different catheter material.
In addition to the different types of catheters available, there are several catheter materials to choose from, including PVC, POBE, silicone, DEHP-free options, and red rubber.
Different catheter materials offer varying levels of flexibility or rigidity. For example, if a stiffer vinyl catheter is uncomfortable, a soft catheter or a red rubber catheter may be a more comfortable option for some people.
Another cause of discomfort or irritation after using a red rubber catheter could be a latex sensitivity or allergy. 180 Medical carries soft catheters made without latex if your healthcare provider determines you have a latex sensitivity or allergy.
5. If the current catheter you’re using doesn’t feel right, you might need a different type, brand, or size.
Your healthcare provider will make a recommendation for you, including the appropriate catheter French size and type.
However, if your current catheter feels uncomfortable or it’s difficult to handle, open, or insert, this might indicate the need to try a different catheter type, size, or brand with different features.
Some people who have difficulty inserting straight tip catheters may need to use a coudé catheter. This is usually due to conditions such as an enlarged prostate or another complication in the urethral passage that makes it difficult to pass a standard straight tip catheter.
That’s why it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you’re experiencing catheter pain, resistance, or difficulty inserting your catheter.
If your healthcare provider determines you need to try a different type or size of catheter, 180 Medical can take care of the rest. From requesting any needed documentation and prescription to free samples and discreet shipping, we’re here to make the process of getting the supplies you need as easy as possible.
Reach out to us to get started or request free samples today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Catheter Pain
Here are a few quick answers to common questions about discomfort related to intermittent catheter use.
Do intermittent catheters hurt?
No, using a catheter should not hurt when catheterization is performed correctly. It should also not cause bleeding, burning, or other irritating symptoms.
At first, catheterization may feel unfamiliar or slightly uncomfortable as you adjust. But with practice and time, it becomes easier for many people.
However, if you keep experiencing painful catheterization, have difficulty inserting your catheter, or experience any bleeding, talk to your urologist or prescribing healthcare provider before trying any solutions on your own.
Why does my catheter hurt when I insert it?
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort when you self-cath, possible causes might be due to not using enough lubrication, using the wrong catheter size or material, rough eyelets, or another underlying medical issue.
Sometimes, for men with an enlarged prostate or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), or urethral obstructions, a coude tip catheter may be needed. The best thing to do is contact your healthcare provider so they can figure out what may be causing your pain.
What do I do if I can’t insert my catheter?
If you’re having difficulty inserting your catheter, your body may be too tense. Stop, withdraw your catheter, and try to take a few deep, calming breaths. Some people find that coughing can help relax the muscles of the bladder enough to insert their catheter, too.
Once you feel a little more relaxed, take out an unused catheter and try again. If you’re still encountering resistance, do not force your catheter.
Stop, withdraw your catheter, and contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Can switching catheter types or brands help reduce discomfort?
It’s possible in certain cases that a different catheter type, material, size, or tip style may help improve comfort.
180 Medical has specialized in finding the right intermittent catheter options for our customers for over 20 years. We’re here to support you and help you explore your insurance-covered catheter options.
Can the wrong catheter size cause pain?
Yes, having the wrong catheter size may cause discomfort or increased friction when the French size is too large for your anatomy. Your healthcare provider is the right person to talk to if you think you may need to go down a French size for your intermittent catheter supplies.
What should I do if I see blood in my urine or after removing my catheter?
Slight irritation or even a tiny bit of bleeding may sometimes happen if you withdraw or insert the catheter too fast or without sufficient catheter lubricant. However, if you’re seeing blood in your urine (known as hematuria), please reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
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.
