Slide : Male Catheter Insertion Procedure
- Using gloved nondominant hand, grasp penis taut and perpendicular to the plane of the resident’s body.
- Cleanse the glans of penis using the antiseptic soaked swabs using tongs, in expanding circular motion. Discard used swabs away from sterile field.
- Keep nondominant hand in this position, do not remove!
- Lubricate tip of catheter with sterile lubricant jelly.
- Holding the coiled catheter in dominant hand, gently introduce the catheter tip into the urethral meatus.
- If using coude catheter, point catheter tip upward to 12 o’clock position.
When To Seek Medical Advice
You should contact a district nurse or nurse practitioner or your GP if:
- you develop severe or persistent bladder spasms
- your catheter is blocked, or urine is leaking around the edges
- you have persistent blood in your urine, or are passing large clots
- you have symptoms of a UTI, such as pain, a high temperature and chills
- your catheter falls out
If your catheter falls out and you cant contact a doctor or nurse immediately, go to your nearest accident and emergency department.
How To Insert A Male Catheter
This article was co-authored by Robert Dhir, MD. Dr. Robert Dhir is a board certified Urologist, Urological Surgeon, and the Founder of HTX Urology in Houston, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, Dr. Dhirs expertise includes minimally-invasive treatments for enlarged prostate , kidney stone disease, surgical management of urological cancers, and mens health . His practice has been named a Center of Excellence for the UroLift procedure, and is a pioneer in non-surgical procedures for ED using his patented Wave Therapy. He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Georgetown University and was awarded honors in pre-medical studies, urology, orthopedics, and ophthalmology. Dr. Dhir served as chief resident during his urological surgical residency at University of Texas at Houston / MD Anderson Cancer Center in addition to completing his internship in general surgery. Dr. Dhir was voted Top Doctor in Urology for 2018 to 2019, one of the top three Best Rated Urologists in 2019 & 2020 for Houston Texas, and Texas Monthly has named him to the 2019 & 2020 Texas Super Doctors Rising Stars list.There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 117,171 times.
Also Check: What Antibiotic Do You Take For A Bladder Infection
Slide : Hygiene And Standard Precautionscatheter Insertion Procedure23
- Don sterile gloves.
- Cover resident’s lower abdomen and upper thighs with dignity cover.
- Organize contents of tray on sterile field
- Pour antiseptic solution over swabs in tray compartment.
- Squeeze sterile catheter lubricant onto tray.
2. Gould CV, Umscheid CA, Agarwal RK, et al. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines for prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections 2009. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC 2009. Accessed January 28, 2016.3. Willson M, Wilde M, Webb M, et al. Nursing interventions to reduce the risk of catheterassociated urinary tract infection: part 2: staff education, monitoring, and care techniques. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2009 36:137-54. PMID: 19287262.
Gathering The Necessary Supplies

Don’t Miss: What Causes An Overactive Bladder At Night
Slide : Catheter Insertion Kit Contents3
- Drape with opening, sterile gloves.
- Antiseptic solution for periurethral cleaning before insertion, swabs and tongs to use for applying antiseptic solution.
- Single-use packet of lubricant.
- Single-use dose of topical lidocaine jelly.
- Sterile urinary catheter, of smallest size effective for patient connected to tubing and bag.
- Catheter securing device.
3. Willson M, Wilde M, Webb M, et al. Nursing interventions to reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection: part 2: staff education, monitoring, and care techniques. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2009 36:137-54. PMID: 19287262.
Complications Associated With Catheterisation
Catheterisation is associated with a number of complications including:
- Catheter-associated urinary tract infection
- Tissue damage
The risk of complications means catheters should only be used after considering other continence management options, and should be removed as soon as clinically appropriate .
Recommended Reading: How To Find Out If You Have Bladder Cancer
Slide : Indwelling Urinary Catheters1
Images: Figure l. Routes of entry of uropathogens to catheterized urinary tract.An image depicts the male and female lower urinary tract system, and the difference in placement of a catheter in the bladder.
Source: Maki DG, Tambyah PA. Engineering out the risk of infection with urinary catheters. Emerg Infect Dis. 2001 Mar-Apr 7:342-7.*CMS, State Operations Manual, 2014.
1. Maki DG, Tambyah PA. Engineering out the risk for infection with urinary catheters. Emerg Infect Dis. 2001 7:342-7. PMID: 11294737.
Addressing Common Issues With The Catheter
Recommended Reading: Over The Counter Bladder Medication
How To Catheterize Males
As mentioned, self-catherization is a safe, healthy way to empty your bladder if youre unable to do so on your own. Catheters are used for nerve damage, urinary tract issues, disease, or common urologic conditions. Theyre used by millions of men every year and are the best way to prevent serious problems or damage to your surrounding organs. Due to obvious anatomical differences, the way to catheterize males is different than the way to catheterize females. If you will be receiving an indwelling or foley catheter, it will be left in your bladder for the duration of your needs. This is often both inserted and removed by your doctor, leaving the responsibility of catheterization with them.
For those who will be using intermittent catheterization, youll need to learn how to proceed on your own. Certain catheters are single use, while others can be cleaned and reused as necessary. Your doctor will work with you to find the right products for your lifestyle and preferences.
Regardless of if you utilize single-use or reusable catheters, hygiene is absolutely essential. Clean intermittent self-catheterization helps to prevent infection and long-term damage. For help with the process, heres a step-by-step guide on how to catheterize males.
The supplies that youll need for male catheterization include the catheter, a container to catch the urine if youre not emptying into the toilet, lubricating jelly thats water soluble, and soap and water.
Look Out For Catheter
While using a catheter can greatly help with bladder management, it does come with some risk including Catheter-associated urinary tract infection more common with long-term, indwelling catheters, tissues damage and blockage. In addition, you may suffer from pain and discomfort, and being allergic to latex can also compound the problem further. Call your doctor immediately if youre experiencing any of the following:
- You have cloudy urine or blood in your urine.
- The urine has a strong odour.
- You have sores or skin rash.
- The penis is painful.
- Fever and/or chill.
- Pain in your lower back or stomach.
Catheter-associated urinary tract infection is fairly common, particularly among patients fitted with an indwelling catheter or suprapubic catheter. CAUTI calls for prompt treatment because if it is left untreated, it can lead to a kidney infection. If CAUTI has been troubling you, the good news is, UroShield can help lower the risks of CAUTI.
Also Check: Can Stress Cause Overactive Bladder
Types Of Catheters Available
There are three main types of catheters used for ISC and the majority of these are single use disposable catheters. Some catheters have been designed to be reusable although these are now less common.
Coated
These catheters have a hydrophilic coating that create a slippery surface around the catheter when run under water before use. The coating allows for easier insertion into the urethra. These are single use, disposable catheters and are usually made of either PVC or silicone
Non-Coated
These are the traditional intermittent catheter and most are designed to be washed and reused. They come in a variety of sizes and made in several materials including silicone, PVC, silver or stainless steel. Silver or stainless steel rigid catheters are only suitable for women due to the length of the urethra. These are less commonly used now due to being a little more time consuming and needing to be clean and lubricate the tubes prior to use.
Pre-Lubricated
These can be used straight from the packet without any additional preparation. They come packed in a water soluble gel, which makes them easier to insert. These types of catheter are ideal if you are out and about a lot and not able to access adequate clean water and facilities when emptying your bladder.
Catheter Sets
What Should I Expect When I Get Home

When you get home, you should drink twice as much fluid as you would normally for the first 24 to 48 hours. This helps to flush your system through and minimises any bleeding.
The catheter will need to be changed, for the first time, after approximately six weeks and we will arrange this for you in the outpatient clinic or hospital. Thereafter, further catheter changes can be performed by your GP or community nurse.
Don’t Miss: What Is Aggressive Bladder Cancer
The Benefits Of Intermittent Catheterization
What is intermittent catheterization?
A urinary catheter is a medical device used to empty the bladder when a patient is unable to do so naturally. Catheters usually have a drainage bag to capture the urine. For bedridden patients, the bag may drape over the side of the bed. For ambulatory patients, the bag is usually attached to the leg with elastic bands.
The bag can be emptied into the toilet as needed. Intermittent catheterization involves inserting and removing the catheter several times a day. This eliminates the need to wear a continuously draining catheter.
Finding The Right Supplies For Self
While catheterization may seem intimidating at first, the more you do it, the easier it gets. Catheterization helps to avoid problems and lifestyle disturbances from urinary retention, urinary incontinence, surgical healing, and more. Its a way to ensure that your body is functioning its best, regardless of what else is happening. If you have any questions or concerns regarding catheterization, always speak to your doctor. Byram Healthcare has a range of products to help make self-catheterization at home as comfortable as possible.
You May Like: Vitamin D And Bladder Problems
Slide : Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this session, licensed staff who insert or assist in the insertion of urinary catheters will be able to
- Explain the similarities and differences between the four different types of urinary catheters
- Prepare for and insert an indwelling urinary catheter using aseptic technique and
- Summarize effective strategies in preventing CAUTIs.
Three Way Foley Catheter And Bladder Washout
This article describes a 3-Way Foley catheter, its uses and abuses. 3-Way catheters are often used after prostate gland surgery to help remove blood clots from the urinary bladder. They may also be used for the treatment and management of simple hematuria following disease or trauma.
A Catheter is a highly specialized medical device to facilitate the removal of urine or blood from the urinary bladder. Their use is often abused by athletes for the purpose of inserting someone elses urine into their own bladder to fool the authorities into believing that the urine is their own. Three way Foley Catheters are made of latex or silastic, an engineered plastic.
A picture of a 3-way Foley Catheter is shown below. The three openings are clearly visible. The opening on the top is for the urine and blood to drain out. It is apparent that this is the lumen which is most straight to facilitate the urine and clotted blood to flow out. The lumen just below the number is for the entry of fluid which is to be used for draining the bladder. The third lumen is the smallest of the three lumens. It is for injecting a liquid or air into the balloon at the distal end of the Foley catheter. It is the balloon which prevents the Foley Catheter from slipping out because the inflated balloon is too large to pass through the urethra.
Urinary tract infection, trauma, stricture formation and urethral irritation are the most common complications of this procedure.
Don’t Miss: Can You Have A Fever With A Bladder Infection
Types Of Urinary Catheter
There are 2 main types of urinary catheter:
- intermittent catheters catheters that are temporarily inserted into the bladder and removed once the bladder is empty
- indwelling catheters catheters that remain in place for many days or weeks and are held in position by a water-filled balloon in the bladder
Many people prefer to use an indwelling catheter because it’s more convenient and avoids the repeated catheter insertions associated with intermittent catheters. However, indwelling catheters are more likely to cause problems such as infections .
Inserting either type of catheter can be uncomfortable, so anaesthetic gel is used to reduce any pain. You may also experience some discomfort while the catheter is in place, but most people with a long-term catheter get used to this over time.
Read more about the risks of urinary catheterisation
How Do I Perform Self
Regardless of gender, the steps for performing self-catheterization are generally the same. Females may find it helpful at first to use a mirror to find the urethral opening where urine comes out. To perform self-catheterization:
- Sit on the toilet .
- Use firm, gentle pressure to insert the lubricated end of the catheter into the urethra.
- Hold the other end of the catheter over the toilet bowl or container.
- Slowly slide the catheter until it reaches the bladder and urine starts to flow out of the tube.
- Continue inserting the catheter another inch or two.
- Hold the catheter in place until the bladder empties.
- Slowly and gently slide out the catheter.
Recommended Reading: Home Remedies For Bladder Cancer
How Do I Catheterize Myself
- Try to urinate before you catheterize yourself.
- Gather all the items you will need: Ask your healthcare provider where to get the supplies to catheterize yourself.
- A clean catheter
- Bowl of warm water, soap, washcloth, and hand towel
- Waterproof pad or bath towel