Adult Female Clean Intermittent Bladder Self-Catheterization

If you have any questions or concerns once discharged, please call your doctor’s office or clinic between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or after hours call 919-684-8111 and ask for the resident taking call for your doctor

What is clean intermittent self-catheterization?

• The complete emptying of urine from the bladder using a catheter (small hollow tube).
• The bladder should be drained at regular times each day usually every four to six hours. The time should start within one hour of waking up and end at bedtime. If you sleep longer than eight hours or if morning volumes are larger than 400-450 cc (about 14 ounces) you will need to wake up earlier and drain the bladder.

Why should I drain my bladder at regular times?

• It can help prevent wetting
• It can help prevent damage to the kidneys
• It is a safe way to empty the bladder when it doesn’t empty in the normal way

What should I know when I am doing bladder emptying with a tube?

• Drink six to eight glasses of fluid each day. This helps the kidneys work properly.
• Space the fluids you drink through the day so you don’t make too much urine at one time. This causes over-stretching of the bladder. The bladder should not hold more than 400-450cc (about 14 ounces) at any time.
• Avoid drinking large amounts of liquid within three hours before bedtime so you won’t have to drain the bladder in the middle of the night.

How do I know if I have a urinary tract infection?

• You may have any of the following signs: fever, chills, pain in the back, cloudy urine with a strong odor, blood in the urine, wetting accidents. Contact your doctor if you have any of these signs.
• The only way to be sure if you have an infection is by urine testing.

How do I drain the bladder with a catheter?

• Gather the supplies:
• Catheter
• Water soluble, lubricating jelly (such as K-Y or Lubafax, not Vaseline)
• Warm soapy water and cotton balls or baby wipes (without alcohol)
• Gauze pad or clean tissue
• Container to collect urine
• Mirror (Females can use a mirror when first learning to locate the bladder opening. Many will learn to locate the opening by touch.)
• Wash and dry your hands.
• Get in a comfortable position sitting, standing with one foot propped on commode (if you have good balance) or lying down with your head raised on pillows and legs spread in “frog-like” position.
• Position the collection container between your legs.
• Position the mirror if still needed.
• Squeeze jelly on tissue or gauze pad.
• Separate labia (fleshy lips covering the bladder opening.) using two fingers of one hand.
• Clean the area with soap and water or baby wipes.
• Place tip of catheter into jelly.
• Place the open end of catheter in the collection container.
• Locate the bladder opening and insert catheter until urine flows. Insert one inch more.
• When urine flow stops press over bladder area with hand or strain until all urine is drained.
• Withdraw catheter slowly.
• Wash the catheter with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry. Place the catheter in a clean storage container.
• Wash and dry your hands.

This article is intended as a resource for patients receiving their cancer care at Duke University Hospital or Duke Clinic. It is not intended to substitute for medical advice from your healthcare team. If your doctor’s instructions differ from the information in this article, please talk with your doctor before making any changes.

Source: Dept. of Advanced Practice Nursing, approved: Duke PEC, 9/03