Self-Catheterization for Greater Confidence and Freedom

Learning how to perform intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) can put you in charge of your urinary health and help you live your life to the fullest.

Learn about how ISC can help you become more independent and confident.

Healthcare providers often instruct patients living with urinary incontinence to self-catheterize multiple times a day — and this can seem very daunting. With knowledge, practice, and patience, however, intermittent catheter users can perform the process in a convenient, low-stress way, and bring confidence and freedom back to their lives.

Creating an ISC routine
When you self-catheterize, it’s important to stay on a regular daily schedule. Below are a few quick tips on fitting an ISC routine into a busy day of activities and events. Proactive planning is key!

• Organize all of your catheter supplies in a dedicated private space in your home, so they’re ready when needed. You can also create a portable “catheterization kit” for travel, containing your intermittent catheters, disposable non-alcohol wipes, hand sanitizer, and a small hand-held mirror (if needed).
• Synchronize self-catheterization with other activities that you perform every day, such as brushing your teeth
• Explore tools that can help you keep on your catheterization schedule, like alarm watches or smartphone pop-up apps

ISC puts you in control
Intermittent self-catheterization lets you decide when you will urinate. Unlike an indwelling catheter that stays in the urethra, an intermittent catheter is an “in and out” catheter. It is a smooth, flexible tube that is inserted into the urethra to drain the bladder and then removed. Intermittent catheters can be portable, discreet, and easy-to-use, providing much-needed freedom and confidence throughout the day.

Many ISC product options to fit your lifestyle
There are many different types of intermittent catheter systems out there, so do your research, try several, and choose the one that works best for your lifestyle. Your healthcare provider can help you through this process. Hollister offers a full range of intermittent catheters, including the Infyna Chic™ intermittent catheter and VaPro Plus Pocket™ intermittent catheter. Both have been designed for easy transport and discreet out-of-home usage.

ISC can help you stay active athletically and sexually
Intermittent self-catheterization can allow you to keep the joys of athletic and sexual activity in your life. By following a few basic tips, you can continue these activities with less stress and more confidence.

• Bring a “catheterization kit” (see above) to sports and fitness activities
• Perform self-intermittent catheterization prior to physical activity or a sporting event. Even if you need to catheterize during your sports activity, it shouldn’t take any longer than someone else using the restroom.
• Before sexual intercourse, self-catheterize to empty your bladder which will help prevent leaking.