Hospital Catheter Insertion: A Guide For Men

A catheter is a flexible tube used to drain urine from the bladder and collect it in a drainage bag. Hospitals use catheters when patients have difficulty urinating due to illness, injury, or surgery. Catheters come in various sizes and materials, and it is important to follow sterile guidelines during insertion. Typically, a Foley catheter is used, which involves cleaning the genital area, applying numbing gel and lubricant, inserting the catheter, draining urine, and securing the catheter with adjustable straps.

Preparing the catheter and yourself

Preparing a catheter and yourself for catheterisation is a crucial step in the process. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Firstly, ensure you have the necessary supplies. Catheters are typically single-use and come in individual packages. Purchase enough catheters, and make sure they are the right size for you. Foley catheters, for example, are commonly used and can be found at medical supply stores, online, or through your doctor. The size of the catheter is important; most people will require a 14-16 French size catheter, but some may need a smaller size, such as a 10 French size or smaller.

Before beginning the procedure, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Cleanliness is essential to prevent infections. You should also clean the area around your penis with warm water and soap. This will help create a sterile environment and reduce the risk of infection. It is also recommended to trim or shave any pubic hair in the area to further enhance cleanliness and ease of insertion.

Prepare the catheter by applying a lubricating jelly to the first 10 inches of the catheter. This will make it easier to insert the catheter. The lubricant should be water-based and sterile, and it should come in single-dose packets to maintain sterility. Additionally, consider using an anaesthetic gel on the area to reduce any pain and minimise discomfort during the procedure.

Get yourself into a comfortable position. It is recommended to sit down with your legs bent. Make sure you are relaxed and take slow, steady breaths. If you feel anxious or tense, try to calm yourself down before proceeding. It is important to be mentally and physically prepared for the catheterisation.

By carefully following these steps, you can effectively prepare the catheter and yourself, ensuring a smooth and safe catheterisation process. Remember, it is always advisable to seek guidance from a trained nurse or physician before attempting to insert a catheter yourself.

Applying lubrication

To apply lubrication to a male catheter, start by washing your hands with soap and water. This reduces bacteria and helps prevent infection. Open the catheter package and apply a water-based lubricating jelly to the first 2 to 4 inches of the catheter tip. Do not use petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, as it doesn't dissolve.

The lubrication will make it easier to insert the catheter and minimize discomfort. Make sure to use a new, sterile catheter each time to prevent infection. If you are using a self-lubricating catheter, the packaging will usually state this.

If you are in a hospital setting, a healthcare provider will apply lubrication to the catheter before insertion. They will first clean your genital area with an antiseptic and then apply a numbing gel to minimize discomfort. Once you are numb, they will insert the catheter.

When applying lubrication to a male catheter, it is important to follow sterile guidelines and only insert the catheter after receiving proper instruction from a trained medical professional.

Inserting the catheter

Inserting a male catheter can be done at home or in a hospital, but it is important to only do so at the recommendation of a doctor. Catheters are usually inserted by a doctor or nurse, but in some cases, a healthcare provider can teach you how to insert and care for a catheter yourself. Before inserting a catheter, it is important to wash your hands and the area around your penis with warm water and soap. If you are in a hospital, a healthcare provider will clean your genital area with an antiseptic to prevent infection. They will then apply a numbing gel and lubricant to minimise discomfort.

To insert a male catheter, put lubricating jelly on the first 10 inches of the catheter and get into a seated position with your legs bent. Use your non-dominant hand to hold your penis straight out in front of your body and slowly insert the end of the catheter into the opening at the top of your penis. Push the catheter in about 7 to 10 inches or until urine starts to flow through it. As soon as you are done urinating, pinch the top of the catheter closed with your dominant hand and slowly pull it out. Catheters are usually inserted through the urethra, but they can also be inserted through a small opening in the lower tummy (suprapubic catheter).

Foley catheters are the most common type of catheter. They are inserted through the urethra and into the bladder, where they fill with sterile water to keep the catheter in place. Pee then drains out of the catheter and into a collection bag. The catheter and bag can be concealed under clothes, and most everyday activities can be carried out with a catheter in place.

Securing the catheter

Once the catheter is inserted, healthcare providers will secure the catheter in place by filling the balloon at the tip with sterile water. This prevents the catheter from sliding out of the body. The catheter usually remains in the bladder, allowing urine to flow through it and into a drainage bag. The drainage bag can be secured to the patient's leg with adjustable straps. This allows the patient to wear the bag under their clothes.

If you have a suprapubic catheter, you must clean the opening in your belly and the tube with soap and water every day. Then cover it with dry gauze. Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent infections. Ask your provider how much you should drink. Wash your hands before and after handling the drainage device.

If you have a condom catheter, you must change it every day.

Removing the catheter

To remove a male catheter, follow these steps:

First, wash your hands with soap and water to ensure proper hygiene and sanitization. It is important to maintain clean hands throughout the process to prevent any potential infections or complications.

Next, prepare the necessary supplies, such as clean gauze, soap, and a new collection bag, if needed. It is important to have everything ready before beginning the removal process.

If your catheter is an indwelling catheter with a balloon, you will need to deflate the balloon before removing it. This is typically done by a medical professional, who will carefully release the sterile water or fluid inside the balloon, allowing it to deflate. Once the balloon is deflated, the catheter can be safely removed.

If your catheter does not have a balloon, you can proceed with the removal. Slowly and gently pull out the catheter, being careful not to cause any discomfort or injury. It is important to do this in a controlled and steady manner.

After removing the catheter, clean the area with soap and water. Gently wash the skin around the insertion site and dry it with a clean cloth or gauze. This helps maintain hygiene and reduces the risk of infection.

Finally, dispose of the used catheter and any related supplies properly. Place them in a suitable waste container, following any specific disposal instructions provided by your healthcare team or the manufacturer.

Remember, it is always recommended to seek guidance from a trained medical professional or healthcare provider when dealing with catheter insertion or removal. They can provide personalized advice and ensure the process is carried out safely and effectively.

Frequently asked questions