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:

• Soap and warm water or a moist towelette

• Clean catheter

• Water-soluble lubricating jelly (not Vaseline or other petroleum jelly)

• Mirror

• Toilet or basin

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.

  • Lubricate 2 to 4 inches of the catheter tip.

  • Place the other end of the catheter over the toilet or basin.

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.