FAQs

In the beginning, your healthcare professional will work with you to set a schedule. As you adjust to catheterising, you may find your own routine of knowing when you need to empty your bladder. Different reasons might affect how you manage your frequency (e.g., when you know when to catheterise because of urgency, sensation, or time), and once you are used to your schedule, you can adjust it to fit your lifestyle.

Remember not to allow your bladder to overfill (>400–500 mL) and that the amount of liquids you drink can affect how frequently you need to catheterise. 

For most people, it’s enough to simply catheterise before you go to bed, but your healthcare professional will advise you on what’s best for you.

If you forget to catheterise, just make sure you do as soon as you remember, then continue following your normal schedule.

Usually, you’ll need to catheterise 4–6 times a day, or once every 4–6 hours during the day and once before you sleep. If you’re able to feel it, you should catheterise when your bladder feels full.

In the beginning, your healthcare professional will help you find a regular routine. They’ll consider your unique circumstances and medical condition, plus your fluid intake. They’ll also help you adjust your schedule where needed, so make sure you keep them updated on how you’re progressing and if you notice you’re passing too much or too little urine.

If you miss your scheduled catheterisation time every now and again it shouldn’t be a problem, but if you’re missing them frequently, then you can be at risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI), distended bladder wall, or leaking.

Too much urine in your bladder can also cause serious issues if it backflows to the kidneys.

It can be helpful to set reminder alarms so you always know when you should catheterise.

Leaking can happen when your bladder is too full. Try catheterising more frequently and see if this helps. It can also be a sign of a UTI, especially if accompanied by other UTI symptoms. You should talk to your healthcare professional if this is the case or if you find you’re leaking frequently.