Self-Intermittent Catheterization (CIC)

Self-Intermittent Catheterization (CIC)

What is self-catheterisation?

Self-catheterisation means that you insert a small, flexible plastic tube into the bladder. The urine flows out through this tube which is then removed and washed.

How frequent to catheterize?

4-6 times per day in order to keep collected volumes below 500 ml

Which catheter Length and Diameter to use?

  1. Female: 12 or 14 F, length 7 – 20 cm
  2. Male: 12 or 14 F, length 30 – 50 cm
  3. Pediatric/adolescent: 8F, length 7 – 30 cm

What equipment do I need?

  1. A catheter
  2. A tube of lubricant jelly (KY jelly)
  3. Baby wipes
  4. A bottle, dish or plastic box to catch the urine
  5. A mirror and a good light are helpful

How do I do it? For men:

  1. Sit on a towel with a plastic sheet just underneath; some men prefer to perform self-catheterisation sitting on or even standing in front of the toilet
  2. Remove your clothing out of the way
  3. Wash your hands thoroughly
  4. Squeeze two blobs of lubricant jelly on to two tissues and discard the first one
  5. Roll back the foreskin and wash the end of the penis using baby wipes
  6. Hold the catheter 5 cm from its tip and lubricate the tip and the half with the second blob of jelly. Use plenty of jelly so the catheter is really slippery.
  7. Hold the penis straight out from the body and, without touching the catheter on anything else, slowly and gently insert it until urine flows
  8. If the catheter seems to stick just before it enters the bladder, wait a few seconds to allow the sphincter (valve) muscle to relax and then push it gently in a little further
  9. Withdraw the catheter slowly
  10. Rinse the catheter under running water, dry on a clean tissue and store in a clean plastic bag open to the air if possible

How do I do it? For women:

  1. Sit on a towel with a plastic sheet just underneath or lie on the bed if you prefer
  2. Remove your clothing out of the way
  3. Wash your hands thoroughly
  4. Lie on your back, comfortably propped up with your knees wide apart. Using the light and mirror to help you, find the opening of the urethra which is in front of the vagina and behind the clitoris
  5. If it is difficult to see the hole, draw the labia forwards and upwards whilst separating them with your fingers.
  6. Clean inside the labia from front to back using baby wipes
  7. Hold the catheter 5 cm from its tip and insert it until urine flows (usually needs insertion for 5-7 cm) If no urine comes out, the catheter is probably in the vagina. This will do no harm and simply means taking it out and looking again for the urethra, just further forwards
  8. When urine stops flowing, insert the catheter a little further and turn it gently to obtain any remaining urine
  9. Withdraw the catheter slowly
  10. Rinse the catheter under running water, dry on a clean tissue and store in a clean plastic bag open to the air if possible
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