Top 5 Common Self-Catheterization Mistakes

Apprehension when learning to use a catheter is normal; pain is not. With these helpful tips, you can learn to live pain-free with your catheter and avoid these most common self-catheterization mistakes.

Top 5 Common Self-Catheterization Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes when learning self-catheterization.

1. Choosing the Wrong Catheter

When drainage eyelets – the small holes near the catheter’s insertion tip – are rough around the edges, you will experience pain with insertion due to friction in the urethra. To prevent this from happening, choose a polished eyelet with smooth edges to ensure comfortable insertion.

If you have difficulty inserting your catheter fully, you may have an enlarged prostate or urethral strictures. Coudé tip catheters, such as the Speedicath Flex Pro Pocket Catheter, have curved tips that can circumvent blockages or obstacles for effortless insertion.

2. Lack of Lubrication

Choosing straight intermittent catheters will require applying catheter lubricant before inserting them. This will decrease any discomfort and ensure proper catheter positioning.

If your insurance covers more advanced catheter options, you may be interested in trying a ready-to-use catheter option, such as a pre-lubricated or hydrophilic catheter.

3. Choosing Latex

It is important to choose latex-free catheters if you show signs of a latex allergy, such as itching, redness, irritation, or hives. If you experience any of these symptoms, you may need to consider a catheter made without natural rubber latex.

Patient Care Medical carries latex-free catheters from a wide variety of brands! Reach out to our specialists to try out some options and find what feels best for you.

4. Not Following Your Prescribed Catheterization Schedule

Maintaining the health of the urinary tract is critical with catheter use. When urine from the bladder is not completely expelled, the risk for UTI development from bacterial growth is greatly increased. You must be sure to follow your healthcare professional's recommendations and try to cath on time. Set alarms or reminders on your phone or smartwatch so you never miss a catheterization.

5. Tension and Improper Positioning

Being nervous or fearing pain from self-catheterization may make your body more tense and can even make catheter insertion painful or difficult.

Take a few deep breaths and allow your body to relax before you begin the process. For the easiest insertion, it is recommended that women position themselves standing with one leg on the toilet. If you find sitting is easier, you may do this as well. 

Upon inserting the catheter, do so slowly to avoid any pain. If you experience discomfort, stop for a few seconds and try again. Men may experience discomfort when the device has been inserted around 6 inches where the urethral sphincter muscles are located. Take a few deep breaths and calmly increase the pressure until the device is fully inserted.