Emptying your bladder with a catheter can give you the freedom to get on with activities that are important to you. The key is finding a way to make emptying your bladder with a catheter a part of your daily routine. Here is some advice that other catheter users have found useful when they had to find their way of fitting catheterisation into their daily lives.
Use a chart or set an alarm to remember
At first, many people like to use a chart or diary, which can be good visual cues when implementing a new routine. Charts are also helpful if your nurse wants you to keep track of the amount of urine you pass. Other suggestions might be to set a watch or a phone alarm.
Using IC is the preferred treatment when you are not able to empty your bladder normally – this avoids residual urine in the bladder, which can lead to infections or complications. You should catheterise 4-6 times a day - or as often as prescribed by your doctor or nurse - depending on your situation.
Catheterise 4-6 times or as prescribed by your doctor or nurse
This is the number of times that nurses and doctors recommend you to do IC (if you are not able to urinate normally e.g. due to chronic urinary retention).
If you are completely depending on catheters to empty your bladder and catheterise less than prescribed by your doctor or nurse - depending on your situation.
Leakage:
Leakage might occur because your bladder essentially gives in to the urine volume exceeding the bladder capacity. Consider catheterising more frequently to avoid the bladder pressure from building up.
Urinary tract infection:
If you do not empty your bladder often or don’t empty it completely, the urine can become stale. Bacteria in the urine will multiply, which may lead to an infection of your bladder or urinary tract.
Potential damage to your kidneys:
The increased pressure on your bladder can create a backflow of urine to your kidneys, which can lead to an infection or long-term damage to your kidneys. See how the bladder works in our Basic section.
If you are catheterising more than 6 times per day and still have problems with urine leakage, you should consult your doctor.
Measure the amount of urine you pass
Make sure your bladder is fully emptied every time you catheterise. Urine left in the bladder can cause infections. Every once in a while, measure the amount of urine you empty. It should be no more than around 2 cups (400 ml). If you empty more than 400 ml, ask your doctor if you should perhaps catheterise more often.
Go out – but still remember to empty your bladder
Keeping your catheterisation routine is just as important when you are out as it is when you are at home. Plan your day ahead, so your catheterisation fits in with your other activities. When is it convenient for you to catheterise? Before visiting the museum? During the intermission at the theatre? Read more tips about fitting catheterisation into your social life here.
But always remember to empty your bladder completely regardless of where you are.
To make sure urine is removed from the base of your bladder, you need to remove the catheter slowly and pause if more urine is flowing out. Watch a video for further instruction on how to use different types of catheters.
