Your doctor may insert a catheter into your bladder for various medical conditions when you are unable to urinate on your own. Some of the common medical conditions where a catheter may be required include:
- Enlarged prostate
- Surgeries on the pelvis/urinary tract
- Some cancers
- General inability to control the bladder
When you go home with a catheter in place, there are important instructions to follow to keep the catheter working properly. For example:
- Be sure urine is flowing from the catheter into your urine collection bag. Be sure that the tubing is not getting kinked and twisted.
- Place the collection bag below the level of the bladder at all times.
- Be careful that the collection bag does not pull or drag your catheter.
- You may shower with the catheter and bag, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
- Note any signs of infection or inflammation where the catheter enters your body. If you see pus, or red, swollen skin, call your doctor immediately.
- Clean the area near the catheter twice per day with simple soap and water.
- Do not ever pull on the catheter.
- Sexual relations are out when wearing a catheter.
- At night, you can hang the urine collection bag beside your bed.
If you carefully follow these instructions, you should be able to live comfortably with your catheter as long as you need to.
BPI Medical Supply has a catheter to fit your unique needs.