If you’re using a catheter for any length of time, your physician may suggest self catheterization as an option. Although it isn’t appropriate for everyone, intermittent self catheterization can be a very effective way to empty the bladder. It is also very safe if done correctly.
Self catheterization must be performed on a regular basis, and your doctor may give specific instructions about how often it should be done. Usually, every 3 to 8 hours is a sufficient period of time to elapse between catheterizations. Some individuals can tell when self catheterization is needed as their bladders feel full. Sweating, chills, a headache or a feeling of restlessness can also indicate the need for self catheterization.
It’s very important for individuals performing self catheterization to keep their catheters clean. Care should be taken to thoroughly wash hands before and after self catheterization. The catheter should be washed in warm, soapy water after every use and flushed thoroughly with running tap water.
Soaking catheters in a solution consisting of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water once a week will help prevent the formation of urine crystals inside the catheter. Catheters should always be allowed to air dry after cleaning and should be stored in clean containers.
Over time, catheters can begin to lose flexibility. Catheters that are brittle and discolored should be discarded and replaced. Some people find it helpful to have a few catheters on hand to use alternately. This ensures there is always a clean, dry catheter available and prevents the need to wait to discard a catheter.
Although cleanliness is extremely important in self catheterization, a catheter that is dropped can be wiped off and used if thorough cleaning isn’t possible. An infection is more likely to develop due to an un-emptied bladder than as a result of a potentially unclean catheter.