Continence Care FAQs
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on using and living with a catheter.
Whether you’re new to self-cathing or been using catheters for several years. This resource is designed to provide useful information, practical advice, and support.
Intermittent catheterisation is a way of emptying the bladder if urinating is difficult or impossible. It involves passing a small soft tube into the bladder through the urethra, allowing urine to drain. When the bladder is empty, the catheter is removed and thrown away.
Catheters can be used by men, women, and children to drain urine from the bladder as prescribed by a Healthcare Professional.
Yes, but maintain good hand hygiene and change your tampon or sanitary pad frequently.
Your healthcare professional will be able to provide guidance on cathing when you’re pregnant
Yes, using an intermittent catheter should not affect your sex life. It’s fine to perform catheterisation either before or after sex.
This varies between people and depends on your condition and the reason you have been prescribed catheters. Your Healthcare Professional will be able to provide information on how long you might expect to need to use a catheter.
Your Healthcare Professional will provide you with guidance on how many times a day you should be catheterising based on your specific condition.
If you don’t catheterise in line with the guidance from your Healthcare Professional, you may start to leak urine or it may result in a urinary tract infection, which can be serious if left untreated.
It’s generally recommended that adults drink around two litres of fluid per day, however your needs may be different so check with your Healthcare Professional.
You may have a temperature or lower back pain. Your urine may be cloudy or contain blood, or you may experience pain or burning when passing urine. If you are not feeling well or suspect you have an infection, call your Healthcare Professional. It’s important to do this at the first signs of an infection.
Always wash your hands and genitals before catheterisation. Ensure the catheter doesn’t touch anything prior to entering the urethra. Ensure your bladder is entirely empty, and drink sufficient fluid.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them well. Wash your genital area with soap and water. If no access to soap and water, use a non-alcoholic hand wipe.
If you find it difficult to pass, don’t force the catheter. Relax, take a few deep breaths and gently try to re insert. If you are still unable to insert, leave for a short while and try again. If you cannot pass the catheter, contact your healthcare professional. Make sure you have the correct size catheter as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Remove the catheter and try inserting a new one ensuring you are putting it in the right place, and it can reach the bladder. If there is still no drainage and you feel like your bladder is still full contact your healthcare professional.
Try to relax, it’s most likely that you’re experiencing a bladder spasm. Coughing while trying to remove the catheter can help. If this doesn’t resolve, contact your healthcare professional or GP.
While it can take a little time to get used to catheterisation, it should not be painful or uncomfortable. If it is, this may indicate that your technique isn’t quite right or that you might need a different style of catheter. Speak to your Healthcare Professional for advice.
Yes, you have the freedom to choose the catheter that’s right for you. It may take time to find the one that’s right for you, however most manufacturers provide samples free of charge.
Yes, we offer a range of catheters and are always happy to provide free samples.
Store your catheters in their original packaging as advised by the manufacturer.
No, most intermittent catheters are single-use only and should not be reused.
Yes, catheters are considered a necessary medical device and can be taken on a plane in both hand luggage and checked baggage.