As an intermittent self-catheterisation (or IC) user, you may find that you experience urinary tract infections (UTI’s) from time to time. It is a common and well-known issue for many catheter users. If you have worries or feel uncertain about how to reduce your risk of UTI’s, you’re not alone. We therefore give you an overview of what a UTI is, how you detect it and what you can do to manage and reduce your risk of getting a UTI with the right preparation and knowledge.
What is a UTI?
UTI is an infection in the urinary tract system, which consists of the kidneys,
ureters, bladder and the urethra (see illustration in the left page). Most nfections occur in the bladder.
How do you get a UTI?
A UTI can occur from different reasons. If you don’t have any symptoms and have a healthy bladder, then the presence of some bacteria in the urinary tract does not necessarily cause a urinary tract infection. If, however, the bacteria grow and multiply to a certain level, or if your urine is stored in the bladder for too long, it may cause an infection in the urinary tract and needs to be treated.
Who can get a UTI?
Anybody can get a UTI, though there is a higher risk if you are a catheter user as bacteria – perhaps left behind after improper hand washing, or resent near the urethral opening – are introduced into the urinary tract when you catheterise. Also, not emptying your bladder completely when you catheterise can increase the likelihood of getting a UTI. Each time you catheterise, you remove urine in the bladder along with any bacteria that might be in the urine. That’s why it’s important to create a regular flow through the bladder in order to “flush” it completely everytime you catheterise during the day.
How do I know if I have a UTI?
If you have any of the signs and symptoms in the ‘Potential UTI Symptoms’, it might mean you have gotten a UTI that needs medical attention. However, you might not feel pain and bladder irritation if the nerves to your bladder have been affected by your underlying medical condition. Remember, a UTI will only be diagnosed when you have both symptoms and bacteria in the urine. If you have any symptoms from the list, you should always consult your healthcare provider immediately to get the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
How can I manage and prevent infection?
There is a lot you can do to minimise the chances of developing a UTI. There are three key points to remember:
- Make sure you use a good clean technique when you catheterise.
- Make sure you empty your bladder fully and often enough during the day.
- Remember to drink around 1.5-2L of water.
Making sure everything is clean when you catheterise can be difficult to manage sometimes – especially if you are away from home or not feeling very well. Following the routine your nurse has showed you is very important and will ensure correct catheterisation every time. In addition to this, however, there are some simple ways you can help to make the process easier, wherever you are.
Potential UTI Symptoms:
- Fever
- Pain when urinating
- Increased frequency of urination
- Increased urge to urinate
- Lower back pain (area below the ribs and above the pelvis)
- Shivering and increased muscle spasms in the body
- Dark-coloured and strong-smelling urine
- Cloudy/ bloody urine
- Unexpected urine leakage or leaking between catheterisations
- Increased episodes of Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD)