Intermittent Self Catheterisation (for men)

INTERMITTENT CLEAN SELF CATHETERISATION FOR MEN

Intermittent Catheterisation means periodic insertion of a hollow plastic tube (a catheter) into the bladder to drain urine.

Intermittent Catheterisation can be done for:

  • If the bladder is full if you are unable to pass urine
  • After an incomplete voiding to drain residual urine in the bladder, or
  • To help keep the urethra open, to try to prevent recurrence of a urethral strictures

The advantages:

  • It prevents the bladder from becoming overfilled
  • It eliminates residual urine
  • It helps to prevent bacterial growth and bladder infections
  • It gives you independence
  • It may help to prevent urethral stricture recurrence

Equipment:

  • The catheter
  • Water soluble lubricant (unless you are using pre-lubricated catheters)
  • Baby wipes or a wash cloth

How to catheterise yourself, using a clean technique:

  • Assemble all the equipment needed
  • Wash your hands with soap and water
  • Position yourself comfortably
  • Hold the penis up with one hand and wash the tip of the penis to the base with soap and water or a baby wipe. Ensure the foreskin is pulled back if you are not circumcised
  • Wash your hands again
  • Remove the catheter from its packet and lubricate the tip with lubricant
  • Use your non-dominant hand to hold your penis at an angle so the urethra is positioned in a “J” (see below diagram)
  • Use your dominant hand to insert the catheter into the tip of the penis until the urine flows (this will be approximately 15-20cm). When this happens, let your penis return to its normal position
  • Some resistance may be felt when inserting the catheter. If this happens wait momentarily, take a few deep breaths until the sphincter muscle relaxes
  • Never force the catheter
  • When the urine has stopped flowing, slowly begin to withdraw the catheter. If flow restarts, stop removing the catheter until the urine stops flowing
  • It is important that the bladder is completely empty
  • Check the colour, smell and clarity of urine and report any changes to your Doctor or Nurse.
Intermittent Self Catheterisation

Where to buy your equipment:

  • Lubricant can be purchased from any supermarket or chemist. You can either purchase this in a tube for multiple uses or single use sachets
  • Catheters can be purchased from the following places
  • In person at:
  • White Cross at 51 West Fyans Street Newtown
Phone: 5222 6666
  • Geelong Medical Supplies at 1/11 Hepner Place,
North Geelong,
Phone: 5272 1414
  • Online or over the phone:
  • Coloplast
Phone: 1800 653 317
  • Sayco
www.sayco.com.au
Phone: 03 9553 2700 or 1800 333 456
  • Independence Australia
www.independenceaustralia.com
Phone: 1300 704 456

NB depending on the type of Catheter you purchase the cost will be between $1.10 (non lubricated) $4.65 – $5.95 for pre- lubricated.