Discharge Instructions: Self-Catheterization for Women
Your doctor has prescribed self-catheterization for you because you are having trouble urinating naturally. This problem can be caused by injury, disease, infection, or other conditions.
Many people urinate by self-catheterization (also called intermittent catheterization). Self-catheterization simply means inserting a clean catheter (a thin, flexible tube) into the bladder to empty urine. Self-catheterization helps you empty your bladder when it won’t empty by itself or empty all the way. You were shown in the hospital how to perform self-catheterization. The steps below should help you remember how to do it properly.
 Lubricate catheter |
 Insert catheter |
 Empty urine |
Gather Your Supplies
You will need the following:
Get Ready
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.
Lubricate the catheter with the water-soluble lubricating jelly.
Empty Your Bladder
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 it doesn’t go in, take a deep breath and bear down as if to trying to urinate.
If you feel a sharp pain, remove the catheter and try again.
Empty your bladder.
When the urine starts to flow, stop inserting the catheter.
When the urine stops flowing, slowly remove the catheter.
Clean Up
Wash the catheter in mild soap and water.
Rinse the catheter well.
Run water through the catheter. Then let it air-dry.
Wash your hands. If you used a basin, wash it out.
Follow-Up
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
Fever of 100.4°F or higher, or chills
Burning in the urinary tract or pubic area
Nausea and vomiting
Aching in the lower back
Sediment or mucus in the urine
Cloudy urine
Bloody (pink or red) or foul-smelling urine