Pain-Free Bladder Catheterization: Understanding the Procedure

If you are unable to urinate normally because of the effects of a recent surgery or issues with incontinence, you could require bladder catheterization. Bladder catheterization can be performed without pain.

Bladder Catheter

• A bladder catheter is a tube made of plastic or rubber that is inserted into your bladder to drain it of urine. A catheter can be indwelling, or left in the bladder long term. It could also be intermittent, or inserted only when the bladder needs to be drained.

Size

• The smaller the catheter, the easier it is to use without pain. The smallest possible catheter should be used, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Lubrication

• You can use a water-soluble lubricant to make the catheterization process easier and reduce the risk of pain, according to the University of Wisconsin.

Cleaning

• A urinary tract infection can inflame the urethra and cause pain or burning. Keeping your catheter clean can reduce your risk of infection and prevent pain.

Considerations

• A bladder catheter should not be painful. If yours is, talk to your doctor because it should be removed right away.