Self-Catheterizing for WomenUpdated 10 months ago
Step-by-Step Intermittent Catheterization for Women
Supplies
- A new, sterile catheter of the size and type recommended by your healthcare provider
- Soap and water OR antibacterial hand cleaner
- A washcloth OR disposable perineal wipe (i.e. a disposable washcloth)
- Lubricant, if your catheter isn’t pre-lubricated
- A container to catch the urine, if you’re not draining directly into a toilet
Instructions
| 1. | Lay out the equipment so it is within easy reach. |
| 2. | Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water or with antibacterial hand cleaner, before preparing your catheter. |
| 3. | Inspect catheter before use - If catheter or package is damaged, do not use. |
| 4. | Apply a liberal amount of lubricant to the first inch of the catheter, then place on a clean surface within reach. |
| 5. | Wash your perineum with soap, water and washcloth or with a disposable perineal wipe. |
Tip: To be thoroughly clean, separate your labia and wipe only from front to back. If you need to wipe multiple times, use a clean wipe or area of the washcloth each time. | |
| 6. | Position yourself comfortably. Arrange clothing so it is out of the way. If sitting on the toilet, spread your legs far apart. If lying down, bend knees and place your heels together in a “frog-like” position. |
| 7. | Using your non-dominant hand, separate the labia with the thumb and forefinger to locate the urethra. |
| 8. | With your dominant hand, insert the catheter gently into the urethral opening. |
| 9. | Continue to insert the catheter about 2 inches until urine begins to flow. If sitting on the toilet the urine can drain into the toilet. If lying down, place the funnel end of the catheter into a container to collect the urine. Hold it in place until urine stops flowing. |
| 10. | When urine stops flowing, slowly rotate the catheter between your fingers while withdrawing the catheter. If urine starts to flow again, stop withdrawing the catheter and let the urine drain. |
| 11. | When the bladder is empty, finish removing the catheter and dispose in your household waste. |