Instructions and tips for self-catheterization
Self-catheterization is relatively easy to learn. It is welcomed by many patients because it allows them to become mobile and independent without needing assistance from other people.
Self-catheterization can be learned in a clinic or at home under the guidance of a doctor or qualified specialist. We have compiled the most important points and tips for self-catheterization for you and hope that our experience will help you to overcome any initial difficulties you may have.
1 —
Take hygienic precautions
This includes washing your hands and preparing an area with as few germs as possible for performing intermittent self-catheterization.
2 —
Place all the necessary devices within easy reach
Tip: Carefully open the blister packs of sterile compresses and lubricant gel without touching the contents with your hands and then place them on the tray provided. Tear open the cover of the sterile packed catheter at the tear line and push the catheter 8 - 10 cm out of the cover without touching it. Place the catheter so that it does not touch any non-sterile surfaces. It is best to let the unpacked section protrude freely over the edge of the tray.
Soak the swab in the opened blister with the skin disinfectant spray without touching it.Women should position the mirror so that they no longer need to touch it after sanitizing their hands.
- Disinfectant solution for the hands
- Sterile compresses/swabs
- Skin disinfectant spray
- Catheter or catheter set
- Sterile lubricant with supportive disinfectant properties, such as Endosgel®, or additionally with local anesthetic properties, such as Instillagel®
- Mirror (for women)
Women should initially place a mirror between the legs to make it easier to locate the urethral orifice (there are mirrors that can be attached to the thigh with a rubber band).The urine is collected in a container (kidney dish) or a bag, which is often included with the catheter set or integrated into the catheter, or drained directly into the toilet.
3 —
Disinfection
When disinfecting the genital area, you should finally swab the entrance to the urethra just once with an unused sterile swab soaked in skin disinfectant spray. Frequent wiping back and forth with the swab does not increase the disinfectant effect, but has the opposite effect, because repeated contact with the swab, which is already non-sterile after the first contact with the body, can reapply germs that have just been removed to the cleaned body part. It is important to observe the exposure time of the disinfectant in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Before starting catheterization, you should first carry out hygienic hand disinfection. For this procedure, women should spread the labia with their fingers and clean and disinfect the vaginal opening above with a skin disinfectant spray or disinfectant cleanser.
Instillation of the lubricant
Tip: Take care not to touch the syringe cone when removing the cap.
Carefully insert the syringe cone into the urethral opening and slowly instil the lubricant using light and even pressure.
Depositing a drop of lubricant at the urethral orifice in women
Depositing a drop of lubricant at the urethral orifice in men
Catheterization
For more specific instructions on handling the various disposable catheters and sets, please refer to the respective manufacturer's instructions for use.
Spread the outer and inner labia with the fingers of one hand and pull them slightly forwards and upwards so that the urethral opening is clearly visible. Grasp the catheter where it is protected by the cover and slowly insert the free tip, which protrudes approx. 5 - 6 cm, into the urethra until the urine flows out.
As soon as the urine flows, push the catheter approx. 1 cm further forward. The urine is either collected in an integrated bag or emptied into a container or the toilet. In the latter two cases, you will also need to cut or tear off the external side of the catheter cover during the preparations so that the urine can drain without your having to touch the catheter. Wait until the flow of urine stops and then slowly withdraw the catheter in small stages.
You can find a compact guide to self-catheterization for women here.
1 —
Take hygienic precautions
Tip: For example, provide a clean, ideally disinfected, kitchen tray to place the required aids on and provide the place where you will be sitting with a clean surface.
This includes washing your hands and preparing an area with as few germs as possible for performing intermittent self-catheterization.
2 —
Place all the necessary devices within easy reach
Soak the swab in the opened blister with the skin disinfectant spray without touching it.Women should position the mirror so that they no longer need to touch it after sanitizing their hands.
- Disinfectant solution for the hands
- Sterile compresses/swabs
- Skin disinfectant spray
- Catheter or catheter set
- Sterile lubricant with supportive disinfectant properties, such as Endosgel®, or additionally with local anesthetic properties, such as Instillagel®
- Mirror (for women)
Women should initially place a mirror between the legs to make it easier to locate the urethral orifice (there are mirrors that can be attached to the thigh with a rubber band).The urine is collected in a container (kidney dish) or a bag, which is often included with the catheter set or integrated into the catheter, or drained directly into the toilet.
3 —
Disinfection
When disinfecting the genital area, you should finally swab the entrance to the urethra just once with an unused sterile swab soaked in skin disinfectant spray. Frequent wiping back and forth with the swab does not increase the disinfectant effect, but has the opposite effect, because repeated contact with the swab, which is already non-sterile after the first contact with the body, can reapply germs that have just been removed to the cleaned body part. It is important to observe the exposure time of the disinfectant in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Instillation of the lubricant
Tip: Take care not to touch the syringe cone when removing the cap.
Carefully insert the syringe cone into the urethral opening and slowly instil the lubricant using light and even pressure.
Depositing a drop of lubricant at the urethral orifice in women
Catheterization
For more specific instructions on handling the various disposable catheters and sets, please refer to the respective manufacturer's instructions for use.
Spread the outer and inner labia with the fingers of one hand and pull them slightly forwards and upwards so that the urethral opening is clearly visible. Grasp the catheter where it is protected by the cover and slowly insert the free tip, which protrudes approx. 5 - 6 cm, into the urethra until the urine flows out.
As soon as the urine flows, push the catheter approx. 1 cm further forward. The urine is either collected in an integrated bag or emptied into a container or the toilet. In the latter two cases, you will also need to cut or tear off the external side of the catheter cover during the preparations so that the urine can drain without your having to touch the catheter. Wait until the flow of urine stops and then slowly withdraw the catheter in small stages.
You can find a compact guide to self-catheterization for women here.