Let’s face it, the thought of using a catheter can be intimidating. Whether you’ve been advised to use one temporarily or for the long haul, understanding what to expect can ease your mind. So, do catheters hurt? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no, but rather a nuanced exploration of various factors. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about catheters, their potential discomfort, and how to manage it.

What is Catheter used for?

Healthcare providers most commonly use catheters to drain pee from your bladder when you can’t pee on your own. This may result from:

• Urinary incontinence.
• Urinary retention.
• Prostate enlargement.
• Surgery on your prostate or genitals.
• An epidural, which can cause you to temporarily lose control of your bladder.
• Scarring.

Other catheter uses include:

• Draining a bladder during surgery.
• Getting an exact rate of urine production in a hospital setting.
• Controlling bleeding that occurs from an injury or during surgery.
• Delivering medicine directly to your bladder.

Do Catheters Hurt?

So, do catheters hurt? The experience varies from person to person. Some may feel only mild discomfort, while others might experience more significant pain.

Pain During Insertion

The insertion process can cause a range of sensations, from slight pressure to sharp pain. Factors such as the size of the catheter, the skill of the healthcare provider, and the patient’s anatomy can influence this.

Pain During Use

Once in place, the presence of a catheter can cause ongoing discomfort. This might feel like a constant urge to urinate or a dull ache in the bladder area.

Severe Discomfort

In rare cases, severe pain can occur, often due to complications like infections or improper catheter placement.

How often are Catheters used?

Healthcare providers regularly use catheters. They’re the most common type of urinary catheter.

What happens during catheter placement?

A healthcare provider will first clean your genital area with an antiseptic to help prevent infection. They’ll then apply a numbing gel and lubricant to minimize discomfort.

Once you’re numb, they’ll insert the catheter. Once it enters your bladder, pee will drain out of the catheter and into the collection bag. They’ll secure the catheter in place by filling the balloon at the tip with sterile water.

Finally, they’ll use adjustable straps to secure the catheter tube and collection bag to your leg. They’ll allow for some slack in the tubing so it doesn’t pull or cause discomfort.

If you need to use a catheter over a long period, the provider will teach you how to catheterize yourself (self-catheterization).

How do I care for my catheter?

It’s important to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling a  catheter and collection bag. Washing your hands helps prevent the spread of germs that can cause an infection. You should also clean the catheter tube at least twice a day with soapy water and a wet paper towel or washcloth. Gently pat the tube dry.

Empty your collection bag every two to three hours. If you have a larger collection bag, empty it every eight hours.

To empty the bag:

• Wash your hands.
• Remove the stopper or open the clamp that keeps your collection bag shut.
• Empty the collection bag into a toilet. A healthcare provider may give you a container to measure how much pee you remove from your collection bag. If you have this container, empty your collection bag into the container, record the amount and empty the container into a toilet.
• Clean the drainage port with soap and water. Wipe away (down) from the drainage port to push germs away.
• Pat the drainage port dry.
• Replace the stopper or clamp.
• Wash your hands again.

To change the bag:

• Wash your hands.
• Empty the collection bag. If you have a measuring container, measure the amount of pee first.
• Use soap and water to clean the connection between your catheter and the collection bag. Wipe away to push germs away.
• Pinch the catheter tubing with your fingers just above the connection.
• Disconnect the bag from the catheter.
• Connect the new bag and release the tube.

If your catheter is going to be in longer than a week or if it smells, it’s a good idea to wash the used bag with soap and water. You can also rinse the bag with a solution of 1-and-a-quarter cups of white vinegar in 2 quarts of water to help reduce odor and prevent infection.

How long will I need to use a catheter?

It depends. You may only need to use a catheter while healing from a treatment or condition. Once you recover, you no longer need to use it. However, if you can’t pee naturally, you may need to use a catheter for weeks or months.

In some cases, you may need to use a catheter permanently. A healthcare provider will teach you how to insert and care for the catheter so it doesn’t stop you from participating in your normal activities, including going to work, bathing, swimming, traveling and having sexual intercourse.

How long can a catheter be left in?

You should change your catheter at least every three months.

Can you sleep with a catheter?

Yes, you can use a catheter while you’re sleeping. You can sleep in any position as long as the collection bag is below your bladder.

Before going to sleep, arrange the tube so it doesn’t twist. A twisted or kinked tube won’t allow pee to drain into the collection bag. Hang or rest your collection bag beside your bed.