Urinary catheters are flexible tubes that are used to drain the bladder and collect urine in a drainage bag or a valve. They can be inserted through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) or through a small opening in the lower abdomen (the tummy). Urinary catheters are usually inserted by doctors or nurses in hospital or in the community.
There are different types of urinary catheters, depending on how long they are needed and how they are inserted. The main types are:
- Intermittent catheters: These are catheters that are inserted several times a day, just long enough to empty the bladder, and then removed. They are usually inserted by the person themselves or by a carer. They are suitable for people who have difficulty peeing naturally, such as those with nerve damage or bladder weakness.
- Indwelling catheters: These are catheters that remain in place for several days or weeks, and are held in position by a water-filled balloon in the bladder. They are usually inserted by a health professional. They are suitable for people who have an obstruction in the urethra, such as due to scarring or prostate enlargement, or who need long-term bladder drainage, such as after surgery or during chemotherapy.
- Suprapubic catheters: These are catheters that are inserted through a small opening in the lower abdomen and directly into the bladder. They are usually inserted by a surgeon under local or general anaesthetic. They are suitable for people who have damage or blockage in the urethra, or who cannot use an intermittent or indwelling catheter.
I have a Supra-Pubic Catheter. This is a tube that is inserted into a hole in my lower abdomen, just beneath my belly button, and directly into my bladder. I had the surgery for this in May 2018 after approximately 10 years of self-catheterising, which is inserting a tube into the urethra and into the bladder several times per day in order to drain the bladder. My hands got too unsteady to do this without causing significant pain and trauma. I made the decision to have surgery for an SPC and I’ve never looked back. Every 8 weeks a district nurse calls by my home to change the catheter.
Urinary catheters can have various benefits for people who have difficulty peeing naturally. They can:
- Prevent urine retention (inability to empty the bladder) and its complications, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney damage, or bladder stones.
- Improve comfort and quality of life by reducing the need to go to the toilet frequently or urgently.
- Enable medication delivery directly into the bladder, such as for bladder cancer treatment.
- Facilitate certain tests and procedures that require bladder drainage, such as cystoscopy (a test that examines the inside of the bladder) or urodynamics (a test that measures how well the bladder and urethra work).
However, urinary catheters can also have some risks and challenges, such as:
- Infections: Urinary catheters can introduce bacteria into the bladder or the bloodstream, causing UTIs or sepsis (a serious infection that affects the whole body). This can cause symptoms such as fever, pain, burning, blood in the urine, or confusion.
- Blockages: Urinary catheters can become blocked by blood clots, debris, or kinks in the tube, preventing urine from draining properly. This can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, swelling, leakage, or reduced urine output.
- Discomfort: Urinary catheters can cause irritation, inflammation, or injury to the urethra, bladder, or surrounding tissues. This can cause symptoms such as pain, bleeding, bruising, soreness, or spasms.
- Lifestyle changes: Urinary catheters can affect your daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, working, exercising, travelling, or having sex. You may need to learn how to use and care for your catheter properly and safely.
To reduce the risks and challenges of using urinary catheters, you should follow some general advice:
- Choose the right type of catheter for your needs and preferences. Your doctor or nurse will help you decide which type of catheter is best for you based on your medical condition and personal circumstances.
- Keep your catheter clean and well-maintained. You should wash your hands before and after handling your catheter; clean your genital area and catheter daily with mild soap and water; change your drainage bag or valve regularly; check for any signs of blockage or infection; and seek medical help if you have any problems with your catheter.
- Drink plenty of fluids. You should drink at least 1.5 litres (about 6 to 8 glasses) of water a day to keep your urine clear and prevent infections and blockages.
- Seek support if you need it. You should get regular check-ups from your doctor or nurse to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment if needed. You should also get information and advice from various sources, such as NHS, Bladder & Bowel UK, The Urology Foundation, ERIC, etc.
Urinary catheters are flexible tubes that are used to drain the bladder and collect urine in a drainage bag or a valve. They can be inserted through the urethra or through a small opening in the lower abdomen. There are different types of urinary catheters, depending on how long they are needed and how they are inserted. Urinary catheters can have various benefits for people who have difficulty peeing naturally, but they can also have some risks and challenges. To reduce these, you should choose the right type of catheter for your needs and preferences, keep your catheter clean and well-maintained, drink plenty of fluids, and seek support if you need it.
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