How To Insert Male Urinary Catheter

How Do You Care For A Urinary Catheter

How a Bladder Catheter Works

One-time use catheters and reusable catheters are available. For reusable catheters, be sure to clean both the catheter and the area where it enters the body with soap and water to reduce the risk of a UTI. One-time use catheters come in sterile packaging, so only your body needs cleaning before inserting the catheter.

You should also drink plenty of water to keep your urine clear or only slightly yellow. This will help prevent infection.

Empty the drainage bag used to collect the urine at least every 8 hours and whenever the bag is full. Use a plastic squirt bottle containing a mixture of vinegar and water or bleach and water to clean the drainage bag. Read more on clean intermittent self-catheterization.

While UTIs are the most common side effects associated with urinary catheters, there are other potential side effects that you may discuss with your doctor. These include:

bladder spasms and pain, which may feel like stomach cramps
blood or other debris getting trapped inside the catheter tube, which may stem from blockage in the catheters drainage system
catheter leakage, which may happen from a blockage in the system, or from pushing during toileting if youre constipated
urethra or bladder injuries

While not all side effects from urinary catheter use are completely avoidable, you may help reduce your risk with certain dietary and hygiene steps, as well as preventing blockages in the catheters drainage system.

Discuss the following risk factors with your doctor:

How To Insert A Male Catheter

This article was co-authored by Robert Dhir, MD. Dr. Robert Dhir is a board certified Urologist, Urological Surgeon, and the Founder of HTX Urology in Houston, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, Dr. Dhirs expertise includes minimally-invasive treatments for enlarged prostate , kidney stone disease, surgical management of urological cancers, and mens health . His practice has been named a Center of Excellence for the UroLift procedure, and is a pioneer in non-surgical procedures for ED using his patented Wave Therapy. He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Georgetown University and was awarded honors in pre-medical studies, urology, orthopedics, and ophthalmology. Dr. Dhir served as chief resident during his urological surgical residency at University of Texas at Houston / MD Anderson Cancer Center in addition to completing his internship in general surgery. Dr. Dhir was voted Top Doctor in Urology for 2018 to 2019, one of the top three Best Rated Urologists in 2019 & 2020 for Houston Texas, and Texas Monthly has named him to the 2019 & 2020 Texas Super Doctors Rising Stars list.There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 153,327 times.

Catheter Insertion In Male Patients

Next, lets take a look at exactly how to insert a catheter in a male patient. This guide will provide multiple instructions for the process in a simple step-by-step format, covering the basic process for general catheterization. Remember that the specifics of your situation may be different, so you may have to make some slight alterations based on the patient or the specific kind of catheter youre working with.

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When Urinary Catheters Are Used

A urinary catheter is usually used when people have difficulty peeing naturally. It can also be used to empty the bladder before or after surgery and to help perform certain tests.

Specific reasons a urinary catheter may be used include:

to allow urine to drain if you have an obstruction in the tube that carries urine out of your bladder . For example, because of scarring or prostate enlargement
to allow you to urinate if you have bladder weakness or nerve damage that affects your ability to pee
to drain your bladder during childbirth if you have an epidural anaesthetic
to drain your bladder before, during or after some types of surgery
to deliver medicine directly into the bladder, such as during chemotherapy for bladder cancer
as a last resort treatment for urinary incontinence when other types of treatment have been unsuccessful

Depending on the type of catheter you have and why its being used, the catheter may be removed after a few minutes, hours or days, or it may be needed for the long term.

Living With A Catheter

Some people may find living with a catheter challenging and uncomfortable at first. However, as people become more accustomed to the catheter, they generally find that it has less impact on their daily lives.

This section provides tips on how to prevent and overcome some of the possible complications of catheter use.

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What To Do Before Inserting A Male Catheter

Before we get to the step-by-step process of actually inserting the catheter into the male patient, its important to ensure that youve carried out all of the necessary preparation. By preparing the supplies and the patient, the process will be able to go much more smoothly. Here are some key things to do before you begin:

Prepare the Supplies Catheter insertion requires not only the catheter itself, but also some additional supplies, such as a syringe, medical wipes, cleaning clothes, gloves, and so on. Ensure that you prepare all the essentials before starting the process.
ID the Patient Its important to ensure that youre working with the correct patient for catheterization, so nurses and doctors should always verify the identification of their patient before they begin by asking for two pieces of information, like name and date of birth.
Speak with the Patient As long as its possible to do so, its also a good idea to communicate with the patient before the process begins to explain to them what will happen and what the catheterization will involve.

Different Types Of Urinary Catheterisation

The two main types of urinary catheter are:

indwelling catheter inserted through the urethra, or through the wall of the stomach, into the bladder and left in place for a period of time
intermittent catheter inserted through the urethra into the bladder to empty it, then removed, several times a day.

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How To Insert A Catheter

This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS. Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 28 testimonials and 87% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 927,862 times.

Urethral Vs Suprapubic Catheters

Changing Your Suprapubic Catheter

Suprapubic catheters are recommended by some physicians for short-term use when a catheter is needed for gynecologic, urologic and other surgeries.1 Theoretically, there are fewer microbes on the abdominal wall than on the perineum, creating less risk for infection. Another advantage is easier catheter changes. Suprapubic catheters can also be clamped to test for adequate voiding. Some patients might also prefer a suprapubic catheter to enhance self-image and sexual functioning. Other patients prefer its comfort and convenience.1 Disadvantages of suprapubic catheters include the risk of cellulitis, leakage, hematoma at the puncture site, prolapse through the urethra1 and the psychologic barrier of insertion through the abdominal wall.

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Male Urinary Catheters: A Complete Guide On How To Use

In this post we will talk about the male urinary catheter, a common aid that many men use daily to empty their bladder. Even if youre just a beginner, you dont need to worry: there are easy solutions on how to handle it in a safe and hygienic way. In this guide we explain all the aspects related to intermittent catheterization for men and provide answers to your most common questions.

Preventing Infections And Other Complications

Having a long-term urinary catheter increases your risk of developing urinary tract infections and can also lead to other problems, such as blockages.

To minimise these risks you should:

wash the skin in the area where the catheter enters your body with mild soap and water every day
wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after touching your catheter equipment
make sure you stay well hydrated you should aim to drink enough fluids so that your urine stays a pale colour
avoid constipation staying hydrated can help with this, as can eating high-fibre foods, such as fruit and vegetables and wholegrain foods
avoid having kinks or bends in the catheter and make sure any urine collection bags are always kept below the level of your bladder

Read more about the risks of urinary catheterisation.

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Slide : Female Catheter Insertion Procedure

Using gloved nondominant hand, identify urethra by spreading the labia
Spread inner labia slightly with gentle traction and pull upwards toward residents head.
Clean periurethral area and urethral opening using antiseptic soaked swabs using tongs, in expanding circular motion. Discard used swabs away from sterile field.

Lubricate tip of catheter with sterile lubricant jelly.

Holding the coiled catheter in dominant hand, gently introduce the catheter tip into the urethral meatus.

Slowly advance the catheter through the urethra into the bladder. If substantial resistance is met, do not force the catheter!

If catheter is accidentally contaminated by touching anything that is not sterile, discard, and get a new one.

What Type Of Catheter For Men Is Best

Intermittent Catheterization and Current Best Practices

When it comes to catheters, no single type or size works for everyone. Thats why we suggest talking to your doctor about your needs. They can assess your condition and recommend what may work best for you.

Our Product Specialists are also more than happy to help you find the right intermittent catheter for you! As true experts in the catheter industry, were glad to be a trusted resource and support system as you determine what kind of male catheter product works best for your individual needs.

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Should You Use Sterile Gloves When Inserting A Male Catheter

Yes, it is recommended to use sterile gloves when carrying out any kind of catheterization. This will help to reduce the risk of any microbes being transferred from your hands onto the catheter tube and then inserted into the patients body. This is very important, as infection is one of the most common complications associated with catheter insertion.

Slide : Hygiene And Standard Precautionscatheter Insertion Procedure23

Don sterile gloves.
Cover residents lower abdomen and upper thighs with dignity cover.
Organize contents of tray on sterile field
Pour antiseptic solution over swabs in tray compartment.
Squeeze sterile catheter lubricant onto tray.

2. Gould CV, Umscheid CA, Agarwal RK, et al. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines for prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections 2009. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC 2009. Accessed January 28, 2016.3. Willson M, Wilde M, Webb M, et al. Nursing interventions to reduce the risk of catheterassociated urinary tract infection: part 2: staff education, monitoring, and care techniques. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2009 36:137-54. PMID: 19287262.

Support Groups And Further Information

Living with a catheter can be challenging. You may find it useful to get more information and advice from support groups and other organisations.

For example, the charity Bladder and Bowel Community provides information and support for people with bladder and bowel conditions.

Page last reviewed: 26 February 2020 Next review due: 26 February 2023

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External Catheters For Women

Urinary Catheters

External catheters are also available for women. Theyre mainly used to manage incontinence and to allow early removal of internal catheters, thus lowering the risk of CAUTIs.

External catheters for women typically use a long, thin cylinder with a top layer of absorbent fabric thats positioned between the labia, against the urethra. Urine is absorbed through the fabric and into the cylinder where its suctioned into a holding canister. Adhesive pads placed on the lower abdomen hold the device in place.

These catheters are designed to be used in a lying or sitting position.

Why Urinary Catheters Are Used

A urinary catheter is usually used in people who have difficulty passing urine naturally. It can also be used to empty the bladder before or after surgery and to help perform certain tests. Specific reasons include:

to allow urine to drain if you have an obstruction in the tube that carries urine out of the bladder for example, because of scarring or prostate enlargement
to allow you to urinate if you have bladder weakness or nerve damage which affects your ability to pee
to drain your bladder during childbirth, if you have an epidural anaesthetic
to drain your bladder before, during and/or after some types of surgery, such as operations on the womb, ovaries or bowels
to deliver medication directly into the bladder, such as during chemotherapy for bladder cancer
as a treatment for urinary incontinence when other types of treatment havent worked

The catheter will be used until its no longer needed. This may be for a short time and will be removed before leaving hospital, or it may be needed for longer or even permanently.

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How To Insert A Catheter In A Male Patient

Catheters are essential medical devices that are used to help drain urine out of a patients bladder when it may be difficult, painful, or impossible for the patient to pass urine naturally. There are a lot of medical conditions that can call for the use of a urinary catheter, including the likes of incontinence or a swollen prostate, and its key for medical personnel to know how to insert a catheter. In this guide, well provide step-by-step instructions for catheter insertion in males.

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How To Use A Male Urinary Catheter

Catheter sizes and types are as follows :

Adults Foley catheter
Adult males with obstruction at the prostate Coudé tip
Adults with gross hematuria Foley catheter or 3-way irrigation catheter
Children Foley to determine size, divide childs age by 2 and then add 8
Infants younger than 6 months Feeding tube with tape

Urethral catheter types: 1) Straight tip 2) Coude tip 3) 3-way catheter irrigation.

Catheter materials include the following:

Place the patient supine, in the frogleg position, with knees flexed.

Explain the procedure, benefits, risks, complications, and alternatives to the patient or the patients representative.

Position the patient supine, in bed, and uncover the genitalia.

Open the catheter tray and place it on the gurney in between the patients legs use the sterile package as an extended sterile field. Open the iodine/chlorhexidine preparatory solution and pour it onto the sterile cotton balls. Open a sterile lidocaine 2% lubricant with applicator or a 10-mL syringe and sterile 2% lidocaine gel and place them on the sterile field. See the image below.

Using a syringe with no needle, instill 5-10 mL of lidocaine gel 2% into the urethra. Place a finger on the meatus to help prevent spillage of the anesthetic lubricant. Allow 2-3 minutes before proceeding with the urethral catheterization. See the video below.

Cleaning Urine Drainage Bags

Prepare a solution using 50% of white vinegar and 50% of water and set aside close to where the urine drainage bag will be cleaned.

Drain urine into toilet.

Place tubing under the faucet and rinse with cold water.

Move the tubing around so that both inside and outside are washed for 10 seconds and empty through the spigot into the toilet.

Repeat #3 and #4.

Carefully pour the vinegar and water solution into the tubing and move around for 30 seconds.

Empty the bag through the spigot, rinse with water and allow it to air dry before its next use.

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How Does The Bladder Work

The bladder is a bag in which the urine is collected before being evacuated through the urethra, through a several centimetres long passage. A perfectly functioning urinary system allows the body to regulate normal urination, but some circumstances can interrupt this process.

The cause might be a disease or an injury affecting the capacity of emptying the bladder in a normal way, such as a spinal cord injury, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons disease, diabetes, enlarged prostate or stroke. In these cases, catheterization can become part of the daily routine.

What Are The Potential Risks Or Complications Of Self

Inserting a catheter can raise the risk of introducing infection-causing bacteria into the body, but having an indwelling Foley catheter presents even a higher risk. So if possible, CIC is a better option than an indwelling Foley. With any type of catheter, you have a higher chance of having a:

Bladder infection, perforation or spasms.

Signs of urinary tract infection .
Skin rash or sores at the site of insertion.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Some people need self-catheterization for a short time. Depending on the cause of the bladder problem, medications or surgery may correct the problem. If you have a chronic problem or a condition that is expected to get worse over time, you may always need to use a catheter to urinate. Everyoneâs situation is different. Talk to your healthcare provider about what you can expect.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/23/2020.

References

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