How to Use a Female Catheter

A urinary catheter is a small tube that is inserted into your bladder in an effort drain it of urine. It is used for situations and health conditions in which you cannot control your bladder output on your own. For example, a woman who has been paralyzed in her lower body may need a urinary catheter because she cannot control her pelvic muscles anymore. Most urinary catheterization is performed by a medical professional. However, if you require female catheterization, you should understand the steps to install, use and remove a urinary catheter.

Instructions

Inserting the Female Catheter

• 1

  Talk to your health provider and confirm that you should actually be using a urinary catheter. Catheterization should only be used when necessary. It can increase your risk of contracting a urinary infection. Long-term use of urinary catheterization can weaken the muscles in your bladder.

• 2

  The female receiving the urinary catheter should lie or sit down with her legs open and her knees bent. If you are performing female catheterization on yourself, many women find it easier to stand with one leg on a bed, the toilet or the edge of the bathtub. Consider placing a towel underneath in case there is any bladder leakage.

• 3

  Part your labia and locate your urethra opening. It will lie just below the clitoris and right above the vaginal opening. Clean the urethra opening to kill any bacteria. You can use an alcohol wipe or a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. (If that is not available, warm soapy water can be used too. Just be sure to rinse.) Do not proceed until the area is completely dry.

• 4

  Lubricate the tip of the catheter tube that is not attached to the urine bag for easier insertion. Gently insert the catheter tube into the urethra opening, using one hand to keep the labia parted and the other to push the catheter tube inside. You will continue to push the catheter about two to three inches, until urine starts to come through the tube.

Caring for the Female Catheter

• 5

  Use the urinary catheter as long as your condition requires it and no longer.

• 6

  Prevent infection and other complications by keeping your catheter insertion site clean. Wash it twice a day with warm soapy water and dry it completely. Always wash and dry your hands before handling your urinary catheter.

• 7

  Empty the urine bag often and do not let it become overly full. When awake, have the urine bag strapped to your leg to prevent any accidents or irritation. When you are sleeping, consider hanging the urine bag off the side of the bed so that you do not roll over it.

• 8

  Keep your catheter tube free of twists and kinks, because they can prevent the urine from being expelled. Do not tug or pull on the catheter tube, to prevent irritation. Avoid sexual intercourse while you are catheterized.

Removing the Female Catheter

• 9

  Do not remove your urinary catheter unless you have been given permission to do so by your health-care provider. Start by emptying your urine bag and detaching it from the urinary catheter. You should have clean, dry hands and be in a clean, well-lit area. Lie or sit with your legs open, your knees bent and a towel beneath you to collect dribbles.

• 10

  Cut the inflation port tubing, just before it joins to the main catheter tube. You can use regular household scissors. (They should be clean but do not necessarily have to be sterilized. Afterward, you can clean them with warm soapy water and dry them thoroughly to remove any bacteria and keep them from rusting.) Do not cut any other parts of the urinary catheter. Allow the catheter tube to drain any fluid that may be in the tube.

• 11

  Gently pull the catheter tube from the urethra with a tug. If you cannot remove the catheter tube completely with a gentle tug, stop and contact your health-care provider immediately.