Author: Jane Clarke

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…

Living with a urinary catheter or self-catheterising can affect much more than your bladder. Many people feel overwhelmed at the thought of being away from home, with worries such as: What if I leak? What if I can’t find a toilet? What will other people think? These concerns are completely understandable. However, avoiding social activities because of…

Normal bladder function involves the bladder stretching like a balloon to hold a volume of urine. When our bladder is getting full, our nervous system sends messages to let us know it’s time to find a toilet. The bladder then contracts when we want it to and expels the urine. For some people though, complete…

A population-based study in England suggested 0.14% of the general population relied on urinary catheters for long-term bladder management (Gage et al, 2024). That represents thousands of Brits who rely on catheters in their everyday lives.   It doesn’t take long for catheter care to become part of your daily routine, but there are often little tricks…

Learning a new skill is hard enough, let alone undertaking a medical procedure like self-catheterisation! While practice does bring confidence, there are certainly some common issues that arise for catheter users in the first few weeks. Below we discuss some common challenges that may arise for new catheter users, along with strategies to help set…

We all know exercise is an important part of staying healthy. Having bladder problems doesn’t mean you can’t exercise, but there are certainly some safe steps you can take to protect your pelvic floor and avoid leaks. Below are some tips to get you on your way. Catheterising right before you start exercising will minimise…

Most people have heard of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs), sometimes called ‘Kegals’. We know it is good to do them but understanding the ‘why’ and ‘how’ remains a barrier to doing them consistently1. PFMEs are also commonly associated with women’s health, for example after having a baby, but few people realise these muscles are…

To function at our best, we need to stay hydrated. For our bladder, hydration means enough urine is produced to flush out bacteria and carry away toxins expelled by our kidneys.  When you start to catheterise, you may think drinking less means catheterising less, but it is even more important to keep your body well…

If you’ve recently started using a catheter, you’ve probably heard plenty of advice, some helpful, some not so much! Whether you have an indwelling catheter or self-catheterise, there are many myths that can make living with a catheter seem scarier than it really is. Here are some of the most common misconceptions. A catheter will…

Problem Cause Try  Difficulty inserting catheter  Muscles tighten due to tension or anxietyInadequate lubricationWrong angle of insertionStricture Use deep breathing techniquesAdd lubricationAlter positioningWithdraw slightly and try againNever force – seek help if unresolved.  Pain/ Discomfort Inadequate lubricationUsing too much force Wrong catheter sizeInfection or inflammation Add lubricationSlow gentle insertion and removalSeek advice on catheter sizing and…