Wash your hands with soap and warm water, dry them well. Wash your genitals with soap and water, rinse and dry well. Holding it at the funnel end, remove the catheter from its storage bag. Avoid touching the catheter tip. Lubricate 4 to 6 inches of the catheter tip. Insert the lubricated tip into your urethra and gently push it to your bladder. If you feel resistance, do not force it, pause and relax, then continue pushing. When you see urine in the catheter, lower the catheter so urine flows into the toilet. Once urine flows out of the catheter, insert the catheter about 1 to 2 inches further toward your bladder. When urine stops, pull the catheter out an inch or two until urine begins to flow again. Repeat until urine no longer flows. Remove the catheter. Wash the catheter with soap and warm water. Wash your hands again and dry well. Let it dry on a clean towel for a few hours. When the catheter is dry, return it to its storage bag. Avoid touching the catheter tip.
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Online Medical Reviewer: Greenstein, Marc, MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Turley, Raymond Kent, BSN, MSN
Date Last Reviewed: 07/01/2021
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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