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UROLOGY EDUCATION RESOURCES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS and DOWNLOADS (bottom of page)

How do I catheterize on a trip?
Unfortunately planes, buses and trains do not have wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. You can catheterize under a blanket using a closed system catheter. Some individuals insert an indwelling catheter for trips and then remove them as soon as possible. When traveling, be sure to carry your catheter supplies in your carry-on luggage. Most airlines will allow an extra carry-on bag for medical equipment. Some airlines designate the first class toilet for people with disabilities. Check with the airline when making travel arrangements.

Can I perform self-catheterization during pregnancy?
Your healthcare professional will advise you as your pregnancy progresses but intermittent catheterization is safe during pregnancy.

In selecting a male external catheter, is sizing important, or will any size catheter work?
You should never select a catheter that is too small. If the catheter you choose is slightly too large, you can pinch the adhesive on the catheter so that urine cannot leak around the seal.

What features should a catheter have?
The material should be biocompatible (not cause allergic reactions or irritation); it should be flexible and accommodate the urethral contours; it should be made from a material that does not change shape when the temperature varies; it should provide atraumatic (gentle and comfortable) insertion; it should be ready to use (easy to handle and not requiring any extra equipment), and it should provide a “no-touch” application to reduce the risk of infection (insertion right from the package without the need to actually touch the catheter).

How much fluid should I drink?
It is generally recommended that adults drink 6-8 glasses of fluid each day. Your needs may be different. Avoid drinks with caffeine as they can irritate the bladder.

What size catheter should I use?
Your healthcare professional will determine the correct size catheter for you. It should be small enough to prevent injury to the urethra and large enough to allow for the flow of urine.

What is intermittent catheterization?
Intermittent catheterization is the emptying of the bladder at repeated intervals with the use of a catheter. This can be done by the individual (self-intermittent catheterization) or it may be done by someone else (assisted intermittent catheterization).

How often should I catheterize?
This depends on how much you drink during the day and, more precisely, on how much urine you excrete. Normally catheterization is done up to 4-5 times each day and on a regular schedule. If you are unable to feel when your bladder is full, the right time is always before the bladder empties itself or “overflows” – that is, before incontinence occurs. The right time for emptying your bladder will be based upon your own experience. Keeping a urination journal (record of fluid intake and urination) is helpful to learn about your intermittent catheterization needs. In all cases, you want to catheterize enough times so that no more than 500 ml of urine are drained per catheterization procedure.

Can the Hollister Female Urinary Pouch be used by any woman who is incontinent?
No. The Female Urinary Pouch works best on incontinent women who are in bed. It is not designed for women who are ambulatory and active. Also, because it is a collection device, it is not designed for women who have overflow incontinence. The Female Urinary Pouch is an alternative to other management options.

What do I do if I am having my period?
Hygiene is especially important when you are menstruating. Every time you catheterize yourself, you should wash your genital area with a pH neutral soap, and you should change your tampon or sanitary pad often.

What are the signs of infection in the kidneys or bladder?
If you have a urinary tract infection, you may experience one or more of these symptoms:
- More frequent urination than normal
- Leakage of urine between normal voiding or catheterization
- Increased muscle spasms (if you are spinal cord injured)
- Fever
- Back pain
- Milky, cloudy, or darkly colored urine
- Foul smelling urine

What do I do if I cannot pass the catheter into my bladder?
Usually if you cannot pass the catheter it is due to a spasm at the sphincter. Relax, take a deep breath or cough. Hold the catheter gently against the closed sphincter. It will usually open after a few seconds. Never force the catheter as you can cause injury to the urethra. If you cannot pass the catheter after 3 or 4 tries call your healthcare provider or go to the accident or emergency room. The healthcare provider will have special catheters available to catheterize you. If this problem occurs often you may need to use a catheter with a bent or coudé tip.

Why do I have large amounts of urine when I catheterize at night?
During the day when you are sitting, fluid collects in your legs. When you are sitting, you may notice that your feet and ankles become swollen. When you lie down at night, fluid enters your blood stream, is filtered through your kidneys, and fills up your bladder.

To reduce large amounts of fluid try these options:
- Lie down for an hour during the day, preferably in the afternoon
- Catheterize before going to bed at night
- Catheterize in the middle of the night
- Limit your fluid intake after 6pm

How do I learn intermittent catheterization?
Intermittent catheterization can be learned in the hospital, in a clinic setting or at home under the guidance of your healthcare professional. Women may need to use a mirror during the first few months of self-catheterization to facilitate the insertion of the catheter. Your healthcare professional will provide you with teaching materials such as a video, education booklet, product instructions and samples.

DOWNLOADS provided by Hollister

Neurogenic Bladder	Patient Education Booklet English (892 KB - 34 pages) Spanish (413 KB - 18 pages)	This 36 page booklet provides an overview of neurogenic bladder and details a number of management options.
Living with Spinal Cord Injury	Patient Education Booklet English (689 KB - 19 pages) Spanish (533 KB - 16 pages)	This booklet is designed for the newly injured person and touches on bowel and bladder management, nutrition, pain and sexuality.
Bladder Diary	Bladder Diary (82 KB - 1 page)	It can be beneficial to track the frequency and amount of your urine leakage. Complete this form and bring it to your appointment.
Intermittent Catheterization Procedures
Intermittent Catheterization Procedures	Advance Plus™ Intermittent Catheter Guide for Use English (1.4 MB - 12 pages) Espanol (259 KB - 6 pages)	12 page booklet about intermittent catheterization. Includes a bladder diary.

* The accuracy of the information from the above resources is not guaranteed by Complete Care Medical, Inc. as to its accuracy. Please consult with your licensed Physician before relying on this information.