A urinary catheter is a flexible tube used to empty your bladder and collect pee in a drainage bag.
A doctor or nurse can insert a catheter through:
- the tube that carries pee out of the bladder (urethra) - this is called a urethral catheter
- a small opening made in your lower tummy - this is called a suprapubic catheter
If you need to use a catheter for a long time, they may show you or your carer how to insert a catheter.
When urinary catheters are used
Your doctor or nurse may insert a urinary catheter:
- if you have problems peeing
- during some tests and procedures
They will only use a urinary catheter if you really need one. They will take it out as soon as it is no longer needed.
The length of time a catheter stays in depends on why you need it. If you have a urinary catheter, ask why you have it and how long it will stay in.
Problems peeing
You may need a catheter to drain pee if you have:
- a blockage in the tube that carries pee out of the bladder (urethra) - for example, because of scarring or prostate enlargement
- bladder weakness or nerve damage that affects your ability to pee
- urinary incontinence and other types of treatment have not worked
During tests and procedures
You may need a urinary catheter:
- during childbirth if you have an epidural anaesthetic
- before, during or after some types of surgery
- to put medicine into your bladder - for example, during some types of chemotherapy for bladder cancer
Types of urinary catheter
The 2 main types of urinary catheter are intermittent and indwelling catheters.
Intermittent catheters
Intermittent catheters are temporary. You insert them into the bladder and remove them as soon as the bladder is empty.
Indwelling catheters
Indwelling catheters stay in place for many days or weeks. They are held in place by an inflated balloon in the bladder.
This type of catheter is more likely to cause problems such as infections.
Looking after your catheter
If you need a long-term urinary catheter, your hospital team will explain:
- how to look after it and reduce the risk of complications
- where to get new catheter supplies
- how to spot signs of potential problems
- when to get medical advice for a problem
You can live well with a urinary catheter and continue to do everyday things. For example, driving, exercising, swimming and having sex.
You can put the catheter and bag under clothes.
Living with a urinary catheter
Risks and potential problems
The main problems caused by urinary catheters are infections in the:
- urethra
- bladder
- kidneys - these are less common
These types of infection are urinary tract infections (UTIs). Treatment is usually antibiotics.
You can get a UTI from any type of catheter use. But the longer a catheter is used, the greater your risk of infection.
To reduce the risk of infection, catheters need to be inserted correctly and well maintained.
Catheters can sometimes lead to other problems. For example, bladder spasms, leakages, blockages and damage to the urethra.
Risks of having a urinary catheter
Bladder retraining
After having a long-term catheter removed, your bladder may not work normally straight away. Your doctor may offer bladder exercises to help.
A nurse, continence advisor or physiotherapist will work with you on a plan.
They may show you techniques to:
- increase the time between peeing and the amount of pee your bladder can hold
- reduce leaks and feelings that you urgently need to pee
- strengthen or relax your pelvic floor muscles
They may also recommend you avoid food and drinks that can irritate your bladder. For example, drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee.
Your plan will help you gradually improve bladder problems. But it may take several months to reach your final goal.