Clean Self-Catheterization for Women

Self-catheterization helps you empty your bladder if it doesn’t empty by itself. It also helps if your bladder doesn’t empty all the way. Follow the steps below.

This is what you’ll need

• Washcloth or fragrance-free hygienic wipes

• Soap and warm water
• Hand sanitizer (when unable to wash hands)
• Sterile or clean catheter (Your provider will tell you the correct type and size)
• Water-soluble lubricating jelly (not petroleum jelly)
• Clean towels, if needed

• Drainage collection container, urinal, basin, commode or toilet

Optional: fluid-impermeable pads, examination lamp or flashlight, catheterization record, handheld mirror, knee-spreader mirror (for females), bag for clean and dirty catheters

Step 1. Preparation

• Gather all equipment needed.
• Arrange clothing so it is out of the way.
• Wash your hands and perineal area. Use warm, soapy water on a washcloth or a moist towelette to clean your urethral opening. Always wash your perineal area from front to back (with downward strokes) to reduce the risk of infection.
• Rinse the soap from the perineal area with a clean washcloth using downward strokes as well.

Step 2. Lubricate the catheter

• Lubricate 2 to 4 inches of the catheter tip. Some catheters contain self-lubricating solution inside the package and some require you to lubricate the catheter yourself. If you use a self-lubricating catheter, do not add additional lubricant.
• Take caution not to handle the portion of the catheter being inserted into the urethra to reduce the risk of potential contamination.
• Hold catheter with dominant hand as if it were a pencil or a dart. Place the other end of the catheter over the toilet or basin. Use a measuring urinal if your provider wants you to measure your urine.

Step 3. Insert the catheter

• Spread the labia open with your nondominant hand. Find the urethra with a mirror, or with your index finger. The urethra is located just above the vaginal opening.
• Slowly insert the catheter into your urethra about 2 to 4 inches until urine begins to drain. If the catheter doesn’t go in or meets resistance during insertion, take a deep breath and bear down as if trying to urinate

Step 4. Empty urine

• When the urine stops flowing, slowly remove the catheter.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.

Catheter care in home setting

If you use a disposable catheter, use a new one each time you empty your bladder. Throw the catheter away when you’re done. If your catheters are reusable, do the following after each use:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
• Clean the catheter with soap and warm water.
• Rinse the catheter, making sure there is no soap left inside or on it.
• Air dry the catheter on a clean towel.
• Once completely dried, store the catheter in a clean, dry container, such as a re-sealable plastic bag.
• Throw away a catheter if the plastic looks cloudy or shows signs of breakdown.
• Wash your hands again. If you used a basin, wash it out with warm, soapy water.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

• Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
• Chills
• Burning in the urinary tract, penis, or pubic area
• Nausea and vomiting
• Aching in your lower back
• Cloudy urine, or sediment or mucus in the urine
• Bloody (pink or red) or foul-smelling urine
• Inability to pass the catheter when you feel your bladder is full

Special Considerations

• Keep catheterization log.  This will help prevent over-filling of your bladder.  When it is too full, it can lead to an infection.  
  • Track times and volume of urine
    • Cath every 4-6 hours, around the clock or as instructed by your provider.
    • Volume goal should be less than 400 mLs each time you cath yourself.
    • If volume is more than 400, consider catheterizing more often.
    • Bring log when you see your provider. 
• Keep an extra catheter with you or at home at all times.