Self-Catheterization Guidelines for Women

Reference guides can be extremely helpful for patients with urological issues to understand how to catheterize and sanitize.

  1. Wash your hands and your genitals with warm, soapy water or a moist towelette. Make sure you wash from front to back.
  2. Lubricate the tip of the catheter. Place the opposite end of the catheter in the toilet or basin.
  3. Spread the labia and find your urethra with a mirror or your index finger. Slowly insert the catheter into your urethra. If it is hard to insert, relax. When urine begins to flow, stop inserting the catheter.
  4. When the urine stops flowing, slowly remove and discard the catheter. Be sure to wash your hands.

Hints & Tips

  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Always use a clean or sterile catheter.
  • Follow your schedule whether you feel the need to urinate or not.
  • Keep a log of your self-catheterization schedule.
  • Relax.

When To Call the Doctor Even though self-catheterization is safe, occasionally problems may arise. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Blood in your urine
  • Little or no urine
  • Foul-smelling urine
  • Sand-like particles in your urine
  • Leakage between catheterizations
  • Pain when inserting catheter
  • Lower back or abdomen pain
  • Low-grade fever of 100.4° or higher

Direct any medical questions to a health care professional. Always consult with your physician before modifying any course of treatment.