Urinary Catheter

What is a Urinary Catheter?

A urinary catheter is a thin, flexible tube (usually made of silicone, latex, or plastic) inserted into the bladder to drain urine when a person cannot urinate on their own or needs continuous drainage for medical reasons.

The most common type is an indwelling (Foley) catheter, which stays in place with a small balloon inflated inside the bladder. Other types include intermittent (temporary, inserted and removed several times a day) and suprapubic catheters (inserted through a small opening in the lower abdomen).

Urine drains through the tube into a collection bag outside the body.

Why Do I Need a Catheter?

Your healthcare provider may recommend a urinary catheter for several reasons, including:

Urinary retention — inability to empty the bladder completely
Obstruction of urine flow (enlarged prostate, stricture, stones, or tumor)
After surgery or during recovery when mobility is limited
Accurate measurement of urine output (critical care or kidney monitoring)
Nerve or muscle problems affecting bladder control (spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke)
To keep the bladder empty and protect the skin in cases of severe incontinence

Preparation Prior to Getting a Catheter

Preparation is usually simple:

Discussion: Your provider will explain why you need a catheter, which type will be used, and what to expect.
Hygiene: The genital area is cleaned thoroughly with an antiseptic solution to reduce infection risk.
Numbing: A lubricating gel that often contains a local anesthetic (such as lidocaine) is applied to minimize discomfort.
Position: You will be positioned comfortably (usually lying down) so the provider has clear access.
Consent & questions: Ask any questions you have before the procedure begins. Tell the team about allergies (especially latex) or previous catheter experiences.

Care Instructions for a Urinary Catheter

Proper daily care greatly reduces the risk of infection and other problems:

Daily Hygiene

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after touching the catheter or bag.
Clean the area where the catheter enters the body and the first few inches of the tube with mild soap and water at least once a day (and after bowel movements). Wipe away from the body.
Avoid powders, creams, or strong soaps around the insertion site unless your provider directs you to use them.

Drainage Bag & Tubing

Always keep the collection bag below the level of your bladder to prevent urine from flowing backward.
Empty the bag regularly (when about ½ to ⅔ full, or at least every 4–8 hours). Do not let it overfill.
Keep the bag off the floor. Secure the tubing so it does not pull, kink, or twist.
You may switch between a smaller leg bag (daytime) and a larger night bag as taught by your nurse.

Fluids & Activity

Drink plenty of fluids (unless restricted by your doctor) so urine stays light yellow and the system stays flushed.
You can usually shower with the catheter in place. Ask about bathing or swimming.

What to Look Out For While Having a Catheter

Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you notice any of the following:

Signs of Infection (Caution)

Fever, chills, or feeling unwell
Cloudy, foul-smelling, or bloody urine
Pain or burning in the lower abdomen, back, or bladder area
Increased bladder spasms or leakage around the catheter