Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) is a simple, safe procedure for ensuring that the bladder is emptied completely at regular intervals. Failure to ensure complete bladder emptying over a period may result in simple urinary infections (asymptomatic), which can, if left untreated result in symptomatic kidney infections requiring antibiotics.
ISC may be indicated when an underlying condition results in bladder dysfunction where the bladder is unable to empty completely and gives rise to various urinary symptoms.
Most people performing ISC live full and active normal lives.
Depending on the underlying condition, ISC may be required after voiding to ensure there is no residual urine left behind. Some patients may need to perform ISC to completely empty their bladder 3, or 4 times a day or more, whereas some only once a day before bedtime.
Your Health Care Professional (HCP) will advise you as to the frequency for ISC following the appropriate bladder dysfunction investigations.
Whatever the reason for commencing ISC as a way of managing your bladder condition, you can be confident that there are many, many people who benefit from this simple procedure.
Urinary incontinence or the inability to empty the bladder normally are in themselves conditions which can prevent someone from leading a normal active life. The embarrassment of leakage and odour and other associated issues can often be resolved with ISC and can make a big difference to your quality of life.
Commencing ISC shouldn’t need too many adjustments to your normal way of life. Being organised before a day out or when leaving for work will make life easier for you.
Always ensure you carry enough spare catheters with you in case you accidentally drop one. It’s never advisable to catheterise with a potentially contaminated, non-sterile catheter which should be disposed of in the appropriate way.
In the workplace, you may need to explain to your employer that you are using ISC to manage your condition although this is purely a matter of personal choice and depends on your place of work, say in a factory or construction setting where access to toilets may be limited or inadequate for the procedure.
This may be particularly relevant if you use a wheelchair and require time and space to empty your bladder.
Disposal of your used catheters in the home setting is easy. Most catheters and their packaging these days can be recycled, depending on what material it is made from.
It’s always advisable to rinse out the catheter with running tap water before placing it in the recycling bin or in the general waste. In other settings such as a hotel you can apply the same method of disposal although recycling may not be an option.
Once you have established a routine for your bladder management either at home, work or leisure, you will appreciate how beneficial ISC can be.
Follow Up
It is important that you are reviewed by your urologist or other Health Care Professional from time to time to ensure that your ISC technique always results in complete emptying to avoid any problems with urinary tract infections.
A simple hand-held scan of the bladder after catheterising will show if you have any residual urine which may require further advice adjust your ISC technique.