Care of intermittent self-catheterization

What is intermittent self catheterization?

This is a procedure where urine is drained from the bladder by the patient themselves or the caregiver. A semi-flexible plastic tube is gently inserted into the bladder via the urethra (urine passage) to drain the urine. The tube is removed after the bladder is completely emptied.

Why do I need to do intermittent self catheterization?

Our team of continence nurses regularly educate and follow up on patients who are doing intermittent self catheterization.

You or your caregiver may be taught how to do an intermittent self catheterization if you have chronic urinary retention, or high residual urine volume in the bladder, from various causes. This is to reduce the frequency of urinary tract infections and protect the kidneys from progressive damage.

An alternative procedure in this group of patients is to insert a long-term indwelling urinary catheter.

General advice for patients on intermittent self catheterisation.

Activity / Rehabilitation

Resume normal activities as your conditions allow.

Nutrition / Diet

Drink at least 8 glasses / 2 liters of fluids a day, unless otherwise instructed. It is recommended however that you restrict fluid intake before sleep to avoid waking up frequently to self catheterise.

Safe and effective use of medication

Take prescribed medications as instructed by the pharmacist.

Catheter Care

Change the catheter weekly (for self-catheterisation) / every 3 days (for catheterisation performed by caregiver) or if it begins to lose its flexibility, becomes brittle, discoloured or dirty.
Keep the catheter in a clean dry container or a zip-lock bag and store in a dry place. Change the zip-lock bag daily or clean the container daily with soap and water.

Special Instructions

Adhere to the catheterisation schedule as advised by your doctor or continence nurse.
Clean your hands with soap and water before and after each intermittent catheterisation. If catheterisation is performed by a caregiver, he/she should wear disposable gloves.
Follow the cleansing and insertion techniques taught by your nurse or doctor strictly.
Try to relax during insertion. Tense muscles make it harder to insert the catheter. If it does not go in or if you feel a sharp pain, remove the catheter. Breathe deeply, relax for 5 minutes and try again.

When and how to seek further treatment

Seek medical consultation with your regular General Practitioner (GP) or doctor at the nearest polyclinic if any one of the following conditions occur:

Difficulty inserting the catheter
Decreased urine output

Proceed to seek medical attention at the Urology Centre during office hours or at the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Singapore General Hospital after office hours, if you experience the following:

Persistent fever of 38˚C and above with chills and rigors
Cloudy, foul smelling or blood-stained urine
Pain or burning sensation when passing urine
Severe pain in your lower back or lower abdomen