What is Intermittent Catheterization?

Intermittent catheterization is a way to extract urine from the bladder. A catheter is a transparent plastic bag with a long, thin, and flexible plastic tubing attached to it. The tubing is placed through the urethra and then into the bladder. Any urine that is present in the bladder will drain into the catheter bag. Intermittent catheters are only used at certain times and they are removed right after the urine is drained.

There are several reasons for needing intermittent catheterization. Certain medical conditions or medications can make it difficult to completely empty the bladder. A problem stemming from a neurological disorder can make it hard to control the urine flow. Intermittent catheterization is often used after surgeries that effect or surround the reproductive organs. This reduces the chance of infections by stopping the flow of urine to these areas.

Following an injury to the spinal cord, an intermittent catheterization may be used. Urethra trauma and friction associated with these types of injures can make it difficult to empty the bladder completely. In this case, the urine that is left in the bladder can be measured. As the patient starts to recover and progresses, the urine that is left over should begin to decrease. In these cases, intermittent catheterization can be used every four hours, or sometimes more often during recovery.

If certain medical tests are being done or if a patient is in a hospital setting, a long-term catheter is sometimes necessary. This is not the same as an intermittent catheter because it has a small plastic ball attached to the tubing. The ball is referred to as a balloon and it is used to hold the plastic tubing in place while it is in the bladder. This is inflated when the catheter is placed inside the bladder and then deflated when it is time to remove the plastic tubing. These balloons make it impossible for the tubing to slip out of the urethra.

Bacterial or urinary tract infections (UTI) can develop from using intermittent catheterization. Sepsis can occur from a severe UTI and it can also be life threatening. The constant rubbing of the plastic tubing against the urethra wall can also cause irritation, resulting in an infection.

There are measures to prevent these infections from happening. Anytime a catheterization is needed, the equipment should be completely sterilized. This includes washing the hands thoroughly. A medicated lubricant can help to prevent irritation, which can also result in an infection.