Cleanliness During Self-Intermittent Catheterization

The word intermittent refers to sporadic or irregular frequency, in this case, of self catheterization. The catheter remains inside your body only temporarily and for a short duration of time. Hence, clean self-intermittent catheterization means that you perform your own catheterization in a sanitary fashion every time urinary urgency is felt and the catheter itself remains inserted only until voiding is complete. The whole purpose of course, of clean intermittent self catheterization is to drain your bladder of urinary waste by using intermittent catheters while avoiding or minimizing your chances of acquiring a urinary tract infection (UTI). There are certain medical conditions that necessitate self catheterization as we will see below.

Intermittent catheterization is typical of the following medical conditions

The following conditions may call for intermittent catheterization:

• Urinary Incontinence
• After certain surgical procedures such as a Cystectomy
• Various psychological disorders such as Dementia.

For people who have started practicing intermittent self catheterization or maybe are looking forward to entering this practice, must learn proper sanitary techniques or the risk of complications or counterproductive results may be too great.

The inability to completely empty your bladder carries great risks like urinary tract infections, which if left untreated, may lead to renal failure. The utilization of unpolluted intermittent self-catheterization will facilitate to avoid urinary tract infections and other harmful risks that come along with it so voiding that is thorough and hygienic is the ultimate goal.

How to self-catheterize

The method of uncontaminated intermittent self-catheterization for females is completely different from the method for males as the bladder system of both genders differ greatly.

For Her

Clean your hands with soap and water; follow this up by cleaning the region around your urinary meatus. You also must be able to identify this urethral opening. Prepare the intermittent catheter with lubrication and gently insert into the urethra.

As the catheter reaches the bladder, urinary waste will drain into the catheter’s drainage bag. When urine flow has halted, extract the inserted catheter. It is important for the amount of urine drained into the bag be measured and recorded. Dispose of the urine collected and sanitize both the catheter and the container that collected the drained urine with regular soap and boiling water right after use for proper storage

For Him

The first step is to always wash one’s hands with soap and water. The glans penis should be given the same sanitary treatment next, especially around the urethra. Prepare for insertion by lubricating several inches of the catheter. Carefully begin insertion. Pay attention to the first 6 inches of insertion because the urethral sphincter (the sphincter that controls the expelling of urine from the bladder) may resist further insertion. If this is the case, breathe easy and deeply to continue insertion. When urine flow has ceased, slowly remove the catheter. Measure and record the amount of urine in drained and then empty the collection bag. Clean the catheter and urine receptacle device with soap and hot water immediately thereafter. Rinse the supplies and air dry for storage in a clean and dry place.

Your doctor might require a log of your daily liquid intake and output so as to keep an eye on normal renal and bladder functions. Intake includes something you drink, like water, juice, soda, tea, alcoholic beverages, and coffee. Usually, it is recommended to drink 8 – 10 cups of fluid, ideally water, per day.

If your kidneys are operating properly, you ought to flush out a similar quantity of fluid as you’re taking in over the course of the day. If your recorded output does not match up with your intake, inform your doctor.

What are the possible secondary effects?

Intermittent Catheterization will involve some discomfort because the tubing is inserted into the bladder via the urethra. It might take some time to become used to intermittent self-catheterization. At first, you will need help from a medical practitioner. Cleanliness is everything; the last thing a person needs is to contract a urinary tract infection. Luckily, sanitation can be achieved with common sense, discipline and good sanitary habits.

Be sure to inform your doctor if you are experiencing abdominal and/or lower back pain as well as any feeling of burning throughout the catheterization procedure as these are often symptoms of a UTI.