Intermittent self-catheterisation, or ISC, may be recommended for you if you have a condition which affects your bladder function. ISC is a safe, simple way to ensure the bladder is completely emptied at intervals during the day. If you are new to ISC, try to remain relaxed and patient when you learn how to perform ISC, handling at first can be a little tricky until you find the right technique for you, but rest assured, with a little practice, almost anyone can perform ISC. Here are some basics to get you underway and keep things as clean as possible:
- ISC should be carried out under very clean conditions, remain consistent in your approach to cleanliness to avoid risking infections.
- Wash your hands before and after ISC, and ensure you clean your genital area prior to ISC.
- Use a new, sterile, single-use catheter for every catheterisation. Don’t ever be tempted to reuse products marked as ‘single use’.
- Opt for hydrophilic-coated silicone catheters.
- Never touch the part of the catheter that is inserted into the bladder and avoid letting it touch other surfaces. If this occurs by accident, discard the catheter and start over with a new one.
- Never exceed your normal bladder capacity. It varies from person to person but generally the bladder should not contain more than 350-500 ml. If you don’t catheterise often enough and the bladder is overstretched, the risk of urinary tract infection and urine leakage increases. In the long term you can seriously damage your kidneys.
- Make sure you have chosen the right diameter for your urinary catheter. A catheter with a diameter that is too large can harm the urethra, a catheter with a diameter that is too small will take too long for the urine to leave the bladder. For adults, catheters of size 12-14 gauge are routinely used, but this may vary depending on medical advice.
- When you start to catheterise, you may think drinking less means catheterising less, but it is even more important to keep your body well hydrated to support healthy bladder function and avoid infection. You should ideally be drinking 6-8 glasses a day, unless otherwise advised.
- Never force the catheter if there is resistance. If you have difficulties inserting or are unable to catheterise, you should see a medical professional promptly for advice and assessment.
- If you experience frequent infections despite following all these steps, it is important you seek medical advice.
ISC can be daunting, but don’t worry, when you carefully follow instructions, select the right catheter, and stick to some basic rules, self-catheterisation can be carried out without fear, and become part of your normal, everyday life.