Have you been prescribed a catheter? Are you worried that it will be painful? Inserting a catheter as a new user may be a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful.
If you feel pain, burning, itching, or bleeding, something is wrong. You may be inserting the catheter incorrectly, the catheter might not be the right size, or you may have a urinary tract infection. Check with a doctor if you are experiencing any discomfort while using catheters.
As you get used to self-cathing, discomfort will subside. Soon it will be second nature! Here are some tips to minimize discomfort and avoid complications as you learn to use your catheter system.
1. Wash Your Hands First
One major reason for pain during catheter usage is infection. Infections can cause irritation and can have serious, even life-threatening effects. To prevent infection, wash your hands thoroughly before using medical supplies. Don’t take them out of their containers until you can handle them with clean hands. Always prioritize hygiene to avoid complications and ensure a safer catheterization experience.
2. Take Your Time
It can be frustrating when something you used to do in seconds now takes minutes. New catheter users may be tempted to rush the process, but this can lead to discomfort or possible bleeding. Give yourself time to follow the proper procedures to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
3. Experiment to Find the Best Position
When you’re prescribed a catheter, your doctor will give you a few recommended positions for self-cathing. The most common positions are sitting or standing in front of the toilet. Experiment within the range of suggested positions to figure out what works best for you and minimizes discomfort.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Some new catheter users are worried about urinary frequency and don’t drink as much water as they should—that can result in dehydration. While you may be tempted to decrease your water intake, it’s important to remember that water makes your whole urinary system healthier. It’s recommended that men drink 125 ounces per day and women drink 91 ounces of water per day. That number should not go down if you’re using a catheter. Drinking water can help prevent inflammation, infection, and irritation.
5. Talk with a Doctor if Necessary
If you’re having pain while self-cathing and you’re following the self-cathing procedure correctly, it’s probably time to get professional help. Your doctor can check for infection, bladder stones, or other common problems. They can also help determine if you’re using the right size or type of catheter. Remember, pain can be a serious indication that something is wrong and shouldn’t be ignored or assumed as normal.
Ultimately, catheters should not be a source of discomfort, pain, or shame. They’re just another medical tool to help you live better, and should make your life easier, not harder. Pain during self-catheterization isn’t normal. Pain is your body’s sign that something is wrong—don't ignore it and see a medical professional if you need to.
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Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please speak with your healthcare provider.
Sources:
CDC Advice: Most Folks Need to Drink More Water; Public News Services; April 27, 2016; accessed June 13, 2024; https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-04-27/health-issues/cdc-advice-most-folks-need-to-drink-more-water/a51623-1
“An Overview of Catheter Problems.” Bladder & Bowel Community, 15 Dec. 2021, www.bladderandbowel.org/bladder/catheter/catheter-problems/
“My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene.” World Health Organization, cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/integrated-health-services-(ihs)/hand-hygiene/posters/focus-on-caring-for-a-patient-with-a-urinary-catheter.pdf?sfvrsn=d1ff3613_4. Accessed 16 July 2024.
