Introducing Intermittent Catheters: Key Facts for Beginners

First of all, what is an intermittent catheter?

An ‘intermittent catheter’ is a specially designed medical device engineered to facilitate the temporary and periodic drainage of urine from the bladder^[1], giving people with urinary incontinence a sense of control and autonomy.

Why you may need intermittent catheterisation

Intermittent catheterisation is a solution that helps people experiencing urinary complications for any of a wide array of reasons. For example:

• spinal cord injuries can disrupt your urinary reflexes^[2]
• your urinary function control is mediated by activity between your central nervous system and the somatic nerves of your urinary system, and so certain neurological conditions can affect bladder function, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or spina bifida^[3].
• an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can lead to chronic urine retention, stretching your bladder muscle and making it weaker^[4].
• Diabetes can damage the nerves that control the bladder, leading to Diabetic neurogenic bladder or ‘ diabetic bladder’ ^[5].

In all of these instances, intermittent catheterisation can play an essential role in mitigating the stress of urinary complications and providing control over our daily lives.

What are the types of urinary catheterisation?

You may hear a range of different terms when talking about, or researching, catheterisation, so let’s demystify them a little.

• Intermittent catheterisation is where the catheter is not left in permanently, or for long periods of time, but rather is periodically inserted to drain the bladder and then removed when the bladder is empty.^[6]
• Indwelling catheterisation or a ‘Foley catheter’, means the catheter remains inside the bladder for an extended period of time, usually inserted by a healthcare professional^[7].
• Suprapubic catheterisation is less common than urethral catheterisation and requires a minor surgical procedure to insert the catheter through the abdomen directly into the bladder for a few weeks or months, or more permanently, which can last for years^[8]
• Percutaneous catheterisation also requires a small surgical procedure, with the catheter fed through a guide needle into the bladder before the needle is removed and the catheter secured^[9].

As you can see, there are lots of pathways, and which one works best will depend on your situation. Even intermittent catheters alone have different shapes and sizes, which you can read about here.

Advantages of self-intermittent catheterisation

For men and women, self-intermittent catheterisation (SIC) offers several advantages over other management options. SIC allows the patient more control over their bladder function and because the catheter is removed after draining, it may feel less invasive and more discreet than an indwelling catheter^[10]. It’s also more cost-effective and there is a lower risk of infection and other complications^[11].

Another advantage of SIC is that, once comfortable with the process, you’ll have the flexibility to use it at home or in other settings.

Disadvantages of self-intermittent catheterisation

Unlike an indwelling catheter, this is a new skill you need to learn which can be time-consuming. For some people it may be uncomfortable initially, and, though low, there is still a risk of infection.

Managing SIC while traveling can be a challenge, as sometimes there will be limited access to a bathroom, and so planning ahead is important. You’ll also need to be mindful of alcohol and caffeine consumption^[12].

Blood in your urine can be normal depending on your condition or stage of using an IC, but if there is a lot of blood, you may have torn your urethra^[13]. To minimise risks, make sure you use plenty of lubrication or a pre-lubricated, hydrophilic catheter, like the Hydrophilic Cure Catheter.

How do I perform self-catheterisation?

This requires proper training and guidance as you and your healthcare team will want to make sure you’re equipped with the best information and the right skills to minimise discomfort.

If you’ve received one of our GentleCath catheters, you can create and watch a personalised tutorial here that will give you tailored self-catheterisation instructions.

How often do I need to perform self-catheterisation (SC)?

No two people are the same and neither are any two bladders. If your bladder is small, or you produce a lot of urine, you may need to SC more often. It also depends on your reasons for SC. For example, someone with urinary retention may need to perform self-catheterisation more often.

Clean intermittent catheterisation

To avoid infection, hygiene is an essential part of the SIC process. To ensure a clean catheterisation you’re going to want to take your time and make sure you’re maintaining hygiene at each step along the way. Some quick tips that will help:

• gently cleanse the area using soap, water, or moistened towelettes
• wash and dry your hands before touching the catheter packaging
• make sure not to touch the catheter, but instead hold it through the packaging
• be sure to dispose of the catheter safely in the bin after you’re finished
• wash and dry yourself and your hands after^[14]

 

 

[1] Convatec (n. d.) Why Do I need to use an intermittent catheter. Gentlecath. https://www.gentlecath.com/au/answers/why-do-i-need-to-use-an-intermittent-catheter/

[2] NIH. (2023, January 20) Spinal Cord Injury. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/spinal-cord-injury

[3] Douglas, A. G. & Price, R. S.. (2021). Bladder dysfunction. Science Direct. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/bladder-dysfunctionhttps://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/urinary-tract-infections-utis

[4] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (n. d.). Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia

[5] Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 29). Diabetic neuropathy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371580

[6] National Health Service (NHS). (2023, February 3). Intermittent urinary catheters. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-catheters/types/

[7] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2023, August 4). Urinary Tract Infections. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/urinary-tract-infections-utis

[8] National Health Service (NHS). (2023, February 3). Suprapubic catheters. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-catheters/types/

[9] Gonzalez, R., & Cassaro, S. StatPearls. (2022, September 5). Percutaneous catheterization. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459338/

[10] National Health Service (NHS). (2023, February 3). Intermittent urinary catheters. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-catheters/types/

[11] Gould, C. V., et al. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, February). Guideline for prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/cauti/index.html/CAUTIguideline2009final.pdf

[12] Mayo Clinic. (2023, May 17). Bladder control problems. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/in-depth/bladder-control-problem/art-20046597

[13] Hrulogical. Blood in urine after intermittent catheterization: Hematuria explained. https://hrurological.com/blood-in-urine-after-intermittent-catheterization-hematuria-explained/

[14] NHS. (2023, February 3). Living with Urinary catheter. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-catheters/living-with/