Cure Catheter Female Intermittent Catheter
Self- Intermittent Catheterization:
- Intermittent catheterization is the periodic emptying of the bladder by the insertion of a hollow plastic tube (catheter) into the urethra, past the sphincter muscle and into the bladder.
- Urine then passes out of the bladder through the catheter.
- Intermittent catheterization is used when a person is unable to empty her bladder. Medical conditions that often require intermittent catheterization include spinal cord injuries, spina bifida and multiple sclerosis, to name a few.
- Intermittent catheterization must be done at regular intervals each day to keep the bladder healthy.
Self-Intermittent Catheterization Instructions for Women:
Most women who perform self-intermittent catheterization sit on the toilet or nearby in a chair or wheelchair when they pass the catheter into the urethra. Other women may perform it lying down with pillows behind their backs. Do what is most comfortable for you. Initially you may want to use a mirror to help visualize the urethral opening where the catheter is inserted. The mirror can be placed on a low stool in front of the toilet seat. It may take time for you to locate the proper opening. Eventually most women learn to catheterize by touch and feel.
- Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- Cure Catheter in sealed wrapper
- Water soluble lubricant
- Something to cleanse the area: soap, water and a washcloth, or unscented disposable wipes
- A container to collect the urine if not cathing while sitting on a toilet
- Hand towel
- Inspect catheter before use. If catheter or package is damaged do not use.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use an antibacterial hand cleaner if not available.
- Lay out the equipment so it is within easy reach. Open the water soluble lubricant and catheter package. The Cure Catheter package may open from both ends for ease of use. Apply a liberal amount of lubricant to the tip and first inch of the catheter.
- Position yourself comfortably. Arrange clothing so it is out of the way. If sitting on the toilet, spread your legs far apart. If lying down, bend knees and place your heels together in a "frog-like" position.
- Using the non-dominant hand, separate the labia with the thumb and forefinger to locate the urethra.
- With the labia separated, wash the urethral area from front to back thoroughly with soap, water and washcloth or unscented disposable wipe. Never go back and forth over the urethral opening. Repeat washing from front to back with the different areas of the washcloth or throw away wipe.
- With your dominant hand, insert the intermittent catheter gently into the urethral opening. Continue to insert the catheter about 2 inches until urine begins to flow.
- If sitting on the toilet the urine can drain into the toilet. If lying down, place the funnel end of the catheter into a container to collect the urine. Hold it in place until urine stops flowing.
- When urine stops flowing, slowly rotate the catheter between your fingers while withdrawing the catheter. If urine starts to flow again, stop withdrawing the catheter and let the urine drain. When the bladder is empty, finish removing the catheter.
Instruction Guide
How Often Should I Catheterize?
Your healthcare provider will let you know how often you will need to perform clean self-intermittent catheterization and the size of the catheter you will need. Normally, self-intermittent catheterization is performed every four hours starting when you wake up in the morning and continues every four hours until bedtime. Some people catheterize on a more frequent schedule. Most people who catheterize do not need catheterization at night. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you need catheterization at night.
