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6.7 Urinary catheterization: intermittent self‐catheterization patient guidance: male

Essential equipment

  • Personal protective equipment
  • Appropriately sized catheter (if carrying out this procedure in hospital, a new catheter must be used every time)
  • Lubricating gel if using a non‐coated catheter

Optional equipment

  • Suitable container (clean jug or receiver) if required
  • Mirror if required

Pre‐procedure

ActionRationale

  1. 1.
    Wash hands using soap and water or an alcohol‐based handrub.
    To prevent infection (NHS England and NHSI [161], C).
  2. 2.
    Stand in front of a toilet, or (if easier) in front of a low bench with a suitable container, such as a jug or bottle. Standing in front of a mirror is helpful for patients with a large abdomen.
    To catch urine. E
    For ease of observation. E

Procedure

  1. 3.
    Clean the glans penis with water or 0.9% sodium chloride. If the foreskin covers the penis, it will need to be held back during the procedure.
    To reduce the risk of infection (Loveday et al. [135], R).
  2. 4.
    Wash hands using soap and water and alcohol‐based handrub.
    To prevent infection (NHS England and NHSI [161], C).
  3. 5.
    Open the catheter packaging or container. If using an uncoated catheter, a water‐soluble lubricating gel may be applied to the surface of the catheter. If using a coated catheter, presoak it in water to activate the slippery coating.
    To prepare the catheter and to ease insertion. E
  4. 6.
    Hold the penis, with the non‐dominant hand, upwards towards the stomach.
    To straighten the penile urethra and prevent trauma to the penoscrotal junction. E
  5. 7.
    Hold the catheter with the dominant hand, being careful not to touch the part of the catheter entering the body, and gently insert it into the opening of the urethra. Advance the catheter into the bladder.
    To reduce the risk of introducing an infection (Fraise and Bradley [81], E).
    There will be a change of feeling as the catheter passes through the prostate gland and into the bladder. It may be a little sore on the first few occasions only. If there is any resistance, do not continue. Withdraw the catheter and contact a nurse or doctor.
    The prostate gland surrounds the urethra just below the neck of the bladder and consists of much firmer tissue. This can enlarge and cause an obstruction, especially in older men (Tortora and Derrickson [237], C).
  6. 8.
    Drain the urine into the toilet or a suitable container. When the urine stops flowing, slowly remove the catheter, halting if more urine starts to flow.
    To ensure that the bladder is completely emptied. E
  7. 9.
    Before removing the catheter from the urethra, put a finger over the funnel end of the catheter and then remove the catheter from the urethra.
    To trap urine in the catheter and prevent spillage onto clothing or the floor. E
  8. 10.
    Hold the catheter over the toilet or a suitable container and remove finger from the funnel end to release the trapped urine.
    To prevent urine spillage. E

Post‐procedure

  1. 11.
    Dispose of the catheter in a suitable receptacle.
    To prevent environmental contamination. E
  2. 12.
    Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol‐based handrub.
    To reduce the risk of infection (NHS England and NHSI [161], C).
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