What is a catheter?

A catheter is a tube that is inserted into your bladder. It allows urine (wee) to drain out freely. The catheter tube is attached to a drainage bag (a catheter bag), where the urine can be collected.

Catheters are usually inserted through your urethra (the narrow tube that connects your bladder to the outside).

Some people with urinary problems need catheters permanently, but more often people need them for a short time.

What are the different types of catheters?

There are several different types of catheters.

Short-term indwelling catheter

This is a catheter that is passed through your urethra and left in place for a short time. For example, during surgery.

Long-term indwelling catheter

This is a catheter that is inserted in the same way as a short-term catheter but is used for longer. It needs to be changed regularly (usually every 4-6 weeks).

Intermittent catheter

An intermittent catheter is used at regular intervals to empty your bladder. After your bladder is emptied, the catheter is removed.

Some people can do this themselves — this is called self-catheterisation.

Suprapubic catheter

A suprapubic catheter is inserted into your bladder through a tiny hole in your abdomen (tummy).

This type of catheter needs to be changed regularly.

External catheter

An external catheter is a device that can be used in males. It's placed over the penis to collect urine.

Why might I need to use a catheter?

There are many reasons why you may need to have a catheter. Some reasons include:

• Bladder problems (including problems with the muscles controlling your bladder).
• Problems with the nerves controlling your bladder — for example, if you have a spinal cord injury.
• Urinary retention — when you can't pass urine even though you feel the need to.
• During labour and childbirth if you have an epidural.
• During some types of bladder tests and treatments.
• When having certain types of surgery.
• Being very unwell in hospital.

Catheter problems — what to do

There are several problems you might encounter with your catheter.

There is no urine draining — intermittent catheter

If urine is not draining after putting in an intermittent catheter, try coughing to help start the flow of urine.

Check you have inserted the catheter correctly into your urethra.

If urine is still not draining, remove the catheter slowly and seek advice from your doctor or nurse. If your bladder is full and you are uncomfortable, visit your nearest emergency department immediately.

Blocked catheter

If you have an indwelling catheter, check there are no kinks in the drainage bag tubing. Also check that the leg bag straps aren't blocking the flow. Make sure the bag is below your bladder when you are lying, sitting or standing.

If you still can't get the urine to flow, see your doctor. The catheter may have to be flushed or replaced. Use clean towels or pads to keep yourself dry while you wait to see a healthcare professional.

If you have a full bladder or are in discomfort, go to a hospital emergency department for treatment.

Catheter leakage

Sometimes urine can bypass the catheter and leak out. This can happen if the catheter is not placed properly. It can also be caused by:

• constipation
• bladder muscle spasms (sudden contractions of your bladder muscle)
• a blocked catheter

Seek advice from your doctor or continence advisor if you have catheter leakage.

Catheter has fallen out

If you have an indwelling urinary catheter and it falls out, call your doctor or nurse immediately. Or go to a hospital emergency department for treatment.

Infection

Symptoms that may mean you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) include:

• cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• a burning feeling around the catheter, or itching or soreness
• blood in your urine
• abdominal (tummy) pain

You may also feel unwell, have a fever or have discomfort in your lower back or around your sides.

See your doctor straight away if you think you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you do have an infection, you may need antibiotics.

It's also usually a good idea to drink more water, to flush the bacteria away.

When should I see my doctor?

Always see your doctor if you notice any blood in your urine or have symptoms of a urinary tract infection.

You should see your doctor or continence advisor if:

• your catheter keeps getting blocked
• you have any pain due to your catheter

Seek medical attention for any of the catheter problems mentioned above that can't be managed with simple self-care measures.

General catheter care

Here are some tips for taking care of your catheter.

• Keep the area where the catheter is inserted clean — wash gently using water and mild soap, rinse and dry well.
• Wash your hands before and after touching the area where the catheter is inserted.
• Change the drainage bag regularly.

Drink plenty of water if you have a catheter, unless you have a medical condition which means this is not possible.

Avoiding constipation can also help prevent catheter complications.

Resources and support

The Continence Foundation of Australia has information and support for people with bladder control problems — call their Helpline on 1800 33 00 66.

Health Translations has information on catheters in languages other than English.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.