FAQs
We have compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions. Many of these answers were developed or updated by a team of experts, however, this information does not replace seeking medical advice from your healthcare professional.
Catheterising considerations
Injuries can happen if you force your catheter into your bladder. If you ever feel like you can’t smoothly insert your catheter, take a moment to relax, take a few deep breaths, and try again. If you can’t successfully insert it, ask your healthcare professional for advice.
Your healthcare professional will tell you if you need to take any extra steps to ensure safe catheterising if you’re living with a condition that compromises your immune system.
Leaving your bladder to become overly full can increase your risk of infection and injuries like
damage to the bladder muscle and backflow of urine into the kidney. So, it’s important to stick
to your catheterisation schedule and work with your healthcare professional to make sure it’s working well for you.
Your healthcare professional will be able to tell you when to do a urine test and how often you should do one.
IC is a popular choice when it comes to catheterisation, but that doesn’t mean it’s entirely risk-free. Some problems are simply due to a lack of awareness about technique or hygiene, so it’s important to talk with your healthcare professional to understand how to correctly use your IC device and ensure your catheterising experience is as safe and comfortable as possible.
Some issues you may experience include:
Blood in your urine
You may experience this early on when you’re still adapting to catheterising. Get in
touch with your healthcare professional if you continue to have blood in your urine.
Irritation in the urethra
The urethra is the tube that carries urine from your bladder and is also where your catheter is inserted. You may sometimes feel irritation along this tube as you adapt to using a catheter. Continued irritation and swelling is known as urethritis and can lead to scarring of the urethra, known as urethral strictures which causes the urethra to become narrower.
False passage
This can happen when a catheter doesn’t follow the urethra and passes through the wall of the urethra instead.
Epididymitis
Epididymitis is the swelling of one of the tubes at the back of the testicles. Often caused by an infection.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Infections of the urinary tract aka water infections can occur with your IC device but are less common compared to other catheter options.
Bladder stones
You may also experience bladder stones, which can be caused by a pubic hair accidentally being inserted with the catheter.
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