What do women use catheters for

Figure 2. Inserting the catheter. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Tell us what you think Your feedback will help us improve the information we provide to patients and caregivers. What could we have explained better? Leave this field blank. Last Updated Monday, January 4, If you have any questions, contact a member of your healthcare team directly. The steps below should help you remember how to do it properly.

Wash your hands and your genital area. Use warm soapy water. You can also use a moist towelette. As always, wash from front to back. Spread the labia the lips or folds at the opening of your vagina.

Use a mirror or your index finger to find the urethra urinary tract opening. Slowly insert the catheter into your urethra. If you use a disposable catheter, use a new one each time you empty your bladder. If your catheters are reusable, do the following after each use:.

Fever of Discharge Instructions: Self-Catheterization for Women Your doctor has prescribed self-catheterization for you because you are having trouble urinating naturally.

This will include advice about getting new catheter supplies, reducing the risk of complications such as infections, spotting signs of potential problems, and when you should get medical advice. You should be able to live a relatively normal life with a urinary catheter. The catheter and bag can be concealed under clothes, and you should be able to do most everyday activities, including working, exercising, swimming and having sex.

Read more about living with a urinary catheter. The main problems caused by urinary catheters are infections in the urethra, bladder or, less commonly, the kidneys. These types of infection are known as urinary tract infections UTIs and usually need to be treated with antibiotics. You can get a UTI from using either a short-term or a long-term catheter. However, the longer a catheter is used, the greater the risk of infection. This is why it's important that catheters are inserted correctly, maintained properly, and only used for as long as necessary.

Catheters can also sometimes lead to other problems, such as bladder spasms similar to stomach cramps , leakages, blockages, and damage to the urethra.