If you’re new to self-catheterization, it’s normal to have questions about how to catheterize yourself, whether it will hurt, and what to do if insertion feels difficult. With guidance from your healthcare provider and the right catheter supplies, self-catheterization can become a more manageable part of your routine.
Below, we’ll share beginner-friendly self-catheterization tips, including how to reduce discomfort, why catheter lubricant matters, when to ask about different catheter options, and when to contact your doctor.
10 Tips for Self-Catheterization for Beginners
Ready to learn how to self-catheterize? Here are a few helpful self-catheterization tips to get you started.
Tip 1. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and catheterization schedule.
When you’re prescribed catheters, your healthcare provider will likely teach you how to catheterize yourself and explain how often you should catheterize based on your needs. They will also recommend a specific catheter French size that best fits your body, and they may also have recommendations on the catheter type or insertion technique to use.
As you begin self-catheterization at home, make sure you understand how often to self-cath, how to use your supplies, and what to do if you have trouble inserting your catheter or emptying your bladder.
If you’re still unsure, contact your doctor, urology nurse, or other prescribing healthcare professional before making any changes to your prescribed routine.
180 Medical isn’t just here to make sure you get the right catheter supplies delivered to your home when you need them; we’re also here to support you as you learn to self-cath. If you have additional product questions or just need a little extra help with the steps of learning how to use your catheter, we’re here for you.
Tip 2. Gather your catheter supplies before you begin.
When you’re prepared, self-catheterization may feel a little easier, especially as you adjust to your new routine.
Depending on your catheter type and your healthcare provider’s instructions, your supplies may include:
- Your intermittent catheter
- Catheter lubricant, if needed
- Cleansing wipes, such as BZK antiseptic wipes
- A urine collection bag or a nearby receptacle, such as a toilet or urinal
- A disposal bag to put your used supplies in when you’re done
- Hand sanitizer or access to soap and clean water
Having everything within reach may help you feel less rushed and more prepared. Talk to your healthcare provider about what supplies they recommend for your needs.
Not sure what catheter supplies your insurance covers, or wondering if 180 Medical is in-network with your plan? Get started by verifying your coverage. We’ll check your benefits and help you understand your plan and how it covers the prescribed catheter supplies you need.
Tip 3. Wash your hands and use a clean technique for self-catheterization.
Before you start handling your catheter, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
If soap and water aren’t available where you are, use hand sanitizer as directed.
Clean intermittent catheterization technique (CIC) may include cleaning the urethral area with an antiseptic wipe and keeping your supplies on a clean surface, such as a drape, underpad, clean towel, or paper towel.
Plus, you’ll want to avoid directly touching the part of the catheter tube that will be inserted into your body if possible. This may help reduce the risk of contamination, which may sometimes lead to infections like UTIs.
Need step-by-step self-catheter instructions?
180 Medical provides easy-to-understand instructions at HowToCath.com, including catheterization video guides for men, women, and children, tailored to your product type.
Tip 4. Don’t force the catheter if you feel resistance.
Encountering a little resistance when you try to insert your catheter? If you’re tense, the sphincter muscle of your bladder may be tight, which may make it more difficult to insert your catheter.
If you’re having difficulty inserting your catheter, don’t force it.
Take a few slow, calming breaths. This may help your body relax enough that you can try again after a few minutes. Some people may also find that coughing helps relax the bladder enough to make it easier to insert the catheter.
However, if you continue to have trouble inserting your catheter or if you find insertion painful, stop and contact your urologist or healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Tip 5. Lubricate your catheter as directed.
The next of our top tips for self-catheterization focuses on the importance of using enough catheter lubricant with your uncoated catheter. Catheter lubrication may help reduce friction during self-catheterization.
If you’re using a straight, uncoated catheter, use catheter lubricant as directed to help ensure a smooth, comfortable insertion.
If you’re using a pre-lubricated catheter, the coating is designed to be sufficient that you shouldn’t need to add any lubricant.
180 Medical can provide enough sterile lubricant packets for single-use with each intermittent catheter in your order, based on your needs, prescription, and insurance coverage.
Tip 6. Give yourself time to learn your self-catheterization routine.
180 Medical Patient Advocate, Steve, knows firsthand what it’s like to be told you have to learn to self-cath.
“To be honest, I remember that process being quite overwhelming at first,” Steve says. “I tried several catheter options and didn’t have much success at first. However, the more I practiced self-catheterization, the better I got at it. Don’t be afraid to practice and fail.”
If you need encouragement or support from Steve or another member of our Peer Support team with firsthand experience in learning to use catheters, just reach out. We’re here to help.
Tip 7. Follow the instructions on your catheter packaging for sterile use.
Intermittent catheters are labeled for sterile, single-use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on your catheter packaging and your healthcare provider’s guidance.
Single-use guidelines are typically found on intermittent catheter packaging, alongside some other important symbols and information, such as manufacturer and expiration dates.
The single-use symbol usually looks like a 2 with a slash across it, which means to use it one time and then dispose of it.
Find out more about the potential risks of washing and reusing catheters.
Tip 8. Talk with your doctor if your current catheter doesn’t feel like the right fit.
Sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to find the catheter that works best for your needs. If your current catheter just doesn’t feel right or isn’t easy to use, your healthcare provider can determine whether your current catheter size, type, or insertion technique is causing any issues.
If you’d like to try a free sample of another catheter brand or type, 180 Medical can work with your healthcare provider and insurance to help you explore your covered options.
Tip 9. Know when to contact your doctor.
Self-catheterization may feel unfamiliar at first, or, at times, even a bit uncomfortable as you get used to the process. However, catheterization should not feel painful or cause bleeding.
Please contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following problems:
- Painful insertion or ongoing pain
- Frequent urination
- Ongoing difficulty with inserting your catheter
- Blood in your urine
- Little to no urine output for 6-8 hours while on a catheterization schedule
- Signs of a UTI, such as burning, cloudy urine, strong-smelling urine, pelvic pain, fever, or feeling unwell
If you’re ever unsure whether a symptom is normal, contact your healthcare provider.
Tip 10. Get caring support with catheter supplies and samples.
Learning how to self-catheterize is just one part of the process. You may also have questions about product options, what your insurance plan covers, how often you can receive your supply orders, and delivery details.
180 Medical has trained, US-based Catheter Specialists who are here to help you explore your product options. We can verify your insurance coverage, request any needed documentation from your doctor, and ensure you have the right catheter supplies for your needs.
If you have product questions, want to request free samples, or just get started with a catheter company that you can rely on, contact 180 Medical.
Helpful Resources and Tips for How to Catheterize Yourself
New to self-catheterization? These resources may help you learn more about catheter supplies, product options, and step-by-step instructions.
- Watch self-catheterization videos and get step-by-step instruction guides at HowToCath.com.
- Learn more about coudé catheters if straight catheter insertion is difficult.
- Explore no-touch catheter options that may help reduce hand contact with your catheter.
- Request free catheter samples from 180 Medical (based on your prescription and insurance coverage).
180 Medical is here to help with all your catheter supply needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Use a Self-Catheter
Can you insert a catheter yourself?
Yes, many people are prescribed intermittent catheters so they can self-cath independently. Using an intermittent catheter can often be done while at home, at work, while traveling, or wherever they need to empty their bladder in private.
Some people may have difficulty handling their catheter due to limited hand dexterity. There are several options available, depending on your healthcare provider’s guidance/prescription and your insurance coverage, including the Cure Dextra® Closed System Catheter, which features several handy features for easier handling and insertion.
Some people may require the help of a trusted loved one or caregiver if they’ve also been fully informed by the appropriate prescribing healthcare provider about how to perform clean intermittent catheterization.
Is self-catheterization painful?
No, self-catheterization should not feel painful. However, some people may experience a bit of discomfort or just unfamiliar sensations as they learn to use a catheter for the first time.
Using catheter lubricant as directed, relaxing your body, and following your healthcare provider’s instructions may help the process feel more comfortable.
If using a self-catheter is painful, difficult, or causes bleeding, contact your healthcare provider.
What do I do if I can’t insert my catheter?
If you feel resistance when you’re trying to insert your catheter, stop, withdraw the catheter, and take a few slow breaths. This may help relax your body a bit. Then you can try again with a fresh catheter after a few minutes.
If you still can’t insert your catheter, do not force it. Stop and contact your healthcare provider. They may need to check for an underlying issue or discuss whether a different type of catheter, such as a coudé catheter, may be appropriate for your unique needs and situation.
How often am I supposed to self-catheterize?
Your healthcare provider is the only one who can direct you as to how often you need to use a catheter to drain your bladder. It all depends on your unique condition, bladder function, fluid intake, and other factors.
Do not change your catheterization schedule unless your healthcare provider directs you to do so.
What type of catheter is best for beginners?
There is no single best catheter for everyone, including beginners. Some people use straight uncoated catheters with lubricant, while others may prefer a ready-to-use compact catheter or a closed system catheter kit with insertion supplies included.
What you’re able to receive also depends on your insurance coverage and your prescription. 180 Medical is here to help you explore your available catheter options.
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.
