Intermittent Self Catheterisation

Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) is used to treat bladders that do not empty fully.

You will be taught how to insert a urinary catheter into your bladder by a health professional – this can be done in a hospital, clinic or at home. Urinary catheters are inserted into the bladder at intervals throughout the day, or when you feel the need to go to the toilet. It is sometimes necessary to catheterise during the night as well. Once the urine has drained out, the catheter is removed.

Most people feel apprehensive about performing Intermittent Self Catheterisation. It can be a bit awkward to start with but with practice you will soon become confident, your local health care professional will offer you support until you feel able to manage alone. Most people go on to say that they find it easy to self-catheterise after a time.

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Types Of Catheters Available

There are three main types of catheters used for ISC and the majority of these are single use disposable catheters. Some catheters have been designed to be reusable although these are now less common.

Coated

These catheters have a hydrophilic coating that create a slippery surface around the catheter when run under water before use. The coating allows for easier insertion into the urethra. These are single use, disposable catheters and are usually made of either PVC or silicone

Non-Coated

These are the traditional intermittent catheter and most are designed to be washed and reused. They come in a variety of sizes and made in several materials including silicone, PVC, silver or stainless steel. Silver or stainless steel rigid catheters are only suitable for women due to the length of the urethra. These are less commonly used now due to being a little more time consuming and needing to be clean and lubricate the tubes prior to use.

Pre-Lubricated

These can be used straight from the packet without any additional preparation. They come packed in a water soluble gel, which makes them easier to insert. These types of catheter are ideal if you are out and about a lot and not able to access adequate clean water and facilities when emptying your bladder.

Catheter Sets

You can also get catheter sets that come packaged up with single use catheters and pouches or syringes of water that can be used to lubricate the catheter. They may also come with a urine bag or container that you can drain into if you can’t access suitable toilet facilities.

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How Do I Self-Catheterise?

Before use, all catheters should be stored in a dry area, lying flat and straight. If the packaging is damaged, do not use the catheter.

It is very important to wash your hands before touching or inserting the catheter – you may choose to use a fresh baby wipe if there is no wash hand basin in the toilet.

Once you have washed your hands, do not touch anything else except your catheter.

Most catheters have a sticky back patch which allows you to open it and secure it to a surface nearby, such as a wall or sink, making it easier to access when you are ready to insert it into the urethra.

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Preparation – For Women

You have to ensure that your vulva (intimate area between your legs) is clean. A daily shower or bath is recommended using a mild soap, but when you go out it is useful to keep a small pack of baby wipes in your handbag or pocket to enable you to ensure the area is clean.

There are several ways to catheterise – you can learn to insert the catheter while sitting on the toilet or in your wheelchair, when standing or by putting one foot up onto the toilet seat to enable you to locate your urethra more easily. You can experiment and decide which way feels most comfortable. If you are a woman and find it hard to locate your urethra, try using a mirror to see where your urine comes out. Once you have done this several times you will probably not need a mirror. You can do it over the bath if it’s easier.

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Preparation – For Men

You have to ensure that or the area around the tip of the penis is clean. It may be that a daily shower or bath is sufficient but when you go out it is useful to keep a small pack of baby wipes in a pocket to enable you to ensure the area is clean. Men may stand or sit to perform intermittent self-catheterisation

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The Task

准备好后，从包装上取下引流导管的一端，轻轻将另一端推入尿道。当导管到达膀胱时，尿液就会流出来。在移除膀胱之前，确保所有的尿液都已排出。

To remove the catheter, gently twist it and pull down. Don’t worry if it doesn’t come out first time. Try again, continuing to pull gently.

Catheters that are designed to be used more than once should be cleaned after each use with soap and water, dried with a clean tissue and kept in a sealed plastic bag or container.

Common Questions

如果我自行导尿，会不会更容易感染?

在插入导尿管之前洗手是很重要的，这有助于减少感染的风险。如果这是不可能的，有一些导管，需要最小的处理，有助于减少感染的风险。在导尿过程中，你可能不会让尿液全部排出膀胱。任何残留在膀胱的尿液都可能导致尿路感染。如果你经历了反复感染，请向你的全科医生寻求进一步的建议。

How can I use ISC safely when away from home?

如果你不在的时候，厕所设施不太好，你可以尝试不同类型的导尿管，比如自润滑的导尿管，或者不需要太多操作的导尿管(见上文)。还有一个带有排水袋的间歇导尿管，在没有厕所的情况下非常适合使用。

I have poor eyesight and find it difficult to handle a catheter. What can I do?

You need to have good control of your hands because it can be a fiddle and you should have reasonable eyesight so you can see what you are doing. But, there are special devices available to help you if you find it hard to handle a catheter. Accessories such as mirrors to attach to your leg to aid catheterisation are also available so you can see what you’re doing more easily, without having to hold a mirror in your other hand.

一些男性发现使用一次性塑料镊子更容易，它们是无菌水泡包装的，可以在不影响无菌的情况下用力挤压导管。用一只手管理导管(开口)，可以用另一只手近距离插入导管尖端。一旦导管的尖端被插入，你就可以将你的手从导管移动到导管的实端，取出镊子，然后像往常一样进行剩下的过程。

Further Information

导尿管生活有时会让人感到不知所措，这就是为什么膀胱和肠道社区推出了导尿管护理指南，帮助回答你可能有的那些棘手的问题。世界杯2022外围预选赛直播

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