Discharge Instructions: Self-Catheterization for Women

Your healthcare provider has prescribed self-catheterization for you because you are having trouble urinating naturally. This problem can be caused by injury, disease, infection, recent surgery (especially urinary incontinence or prolapse procedures), hysterectomy, or other conditions.

Many people urinate by self-catheterization (also called intermittent catheterization). Self-catheterization simply means inserting a clean, thin, flexible tube (catheter) into the bladder to empty urine. This helps you empty your bladder when it won’t empty by itself or won't empty all the way. You were shown in the hospital how to do this procedure. The steps below should help you remember how to do it correctly.

Gather your supplies

You will need the following:

  • Soap and warm water or a moist towelette

  • Clean catheter

  • Water-soluble lubricating jelly (not petroleum jelly)

  • Mirror

  • Toilet or basin

Get ready

  • Wash your hands and your genital area. Use warm soapy water. You can also use a moist towelette. As always, wash from front to back.

  • Lubricate the catheter with the water-soluble lubricating jelly.

    • Lubricate 2 to 4 inches of the catheter tip.

    • Place the other end of the catheter over the toilet or basin.

    Closeup of hands applying lubricant to urinary catheter.

Empty your bladder

  • Spread the labia (the lips or folds at the opening of your vagina). Use a mirror or your index finger to find the urethra (urinary tract opening).

  • Slowly insert the catheter into your urethra. If it doesn’t go in, take a deep breath and bear down as if trying to urinate.

  • If you feel a sharp pain, remove the catheter and try again.

  • Empty your bladder.

    • When the urine starts to flow, stop inserting the catheter.

    • When the urine stops flowing, slowly remove the catheter.

    Closeup of vulva showing hands inserting catheter into urethra. Cross section of catheter in urethra, draining urine from bladder.

Catheter care

If you use a disposable catheter, use a new one each time you empty your bladder. Throw the catheter away when you’re done. If your catheters are reusable, do the following after each use:

  • Wash your hands with soap and clean, running water.

  • Clean the catheter with soap and warm water.

  • Rinse the catheter, making sure there is no soap left inside or on it.

  • Dry the outside of the catheter.

  • Store the catheter in a clean, dry container, such as a plastic bag that seals at the top.

  • Throw away a catheter if the plastic looks cloudy.

  • Wash your hands again. If you used a basin, wash it out.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as directed.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider or get medical care right away if you have any of the following:

  • Fever of  100.4° F ( 38°C ) or higher, or as advised by your healthcare provider

  • Chills

  • Burning in the urinary tract or pubic area

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Aching in the lower back

  • Sand-like material (sediment) or mucus in the urine

  • Cloudy urine

  • Bloody (pink or red) or bad-smelling urine