Bladder Catheterization Without Pain
-
Bladder Catheter
-
A bladder catheter is a tube made of plastic or rubber that is inserted into your bladder to drain it of urine. A catheter can be indwelling, or left in the bladder long term. It could also be intermittent, or inserted only when the bladder needs to be drained.
Size
-
The smaller the catheter, the easier it is to use without pain. The smallest possible catheter should be used, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Lubrication
-
You can use a water-soluble lubricant to make the catheterization process easier and reduce the risk of pain, according to the University of Wisconsin.
Cleaning
-
A urinary tract infection can inflame the urethra and cause pain or burning. Keeping your catheter clean can reduce your risk of infection and prevent pain.
Considerations
-
A bladder catheter should not be painful. If yours is, talk to your doctor because it should be removed right away.
-