Main Menu
Management
LIVING WITH YOUR URINARY CATHETER
LIVING WITH YOUR URINARY CATHETERTRANSCRIPTAs you live with your urinary catheter, there are some steps you can take to ensure itstays clean, healthy and infection free.Remember to empty your drainage bag often, whenever it is one third to one half fulland at bedtime. Keep your drainage bag lower than the level of your bladder at alltimes. Clean the area at least twice a day, clean the area after every bowel movement,clean the drainage bag as directed, watch for signs of infection, and call yourhealthcare provider with any questions or concerns.Drink plenty of fluid, like water. Your urine should be light yellow or colorless. If not,you may not be drinking enough. Talk to your healthcare provider about how muchfluid you need to drink each day to stay healthy.Make sure your catheter tube does not get twisted.Keep your drainage bag below the level of your bladder at all times to avoid urinefrom flowing back into your bladder. Keep the pee below the knee.You may be able to shower, but do not go swimming or have a tub bath while youhave a catheter.Avoid contact sports. Wear loose clothing that doesn’t rub or pull on your catheter. Donot apply powder or lotion to the area around your catheter. And do not have sexualintercourse while you have a catheter.Each time you empty your drainage bag, check for signs of infection like increasedpain, swelling, warmth or redness at the catheter area; blood or pus coming from thecatheter area; pain in your abdomen, pelvis, legs or back; a change in the color of yoururine, it may look cloudy, bloody or have blood clots in it; a foul odor from your urine;or a fever. If you notice any of these signs, call your healthcare provider.20% gradient meshIf you ever notice there is very little or no urine draining through the tube, eventhough you have been drinking plenty of fluid, contact your healthcare provider. Youmay have a clogged tube and it may need to be replaced.healthclipshealthclipsAlways follow the directions of your healthcare provider to keep your catheter cleanand working well in order to avoid infection, complications and discomfort.healthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_qc_10045_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
CalOptima Health works with thousands of Orange County providers, including doctors, specialists, health networks, medical groups and more.
Your health is everything to us. Please reach out for support if you need it.
Watch this to learn how to calm your mind before a procedure.
Watch this to know what to expect on the day of your surgery and for the remainder of your hospital stay.
Here are the steps to emptying your urinary catheter bag.
Learn what a urinary catheter is and how it works to help empty your bladder when you can't do it on your own.
