When the patient cannot release urine of their own, doctors recommend using self-Catheterization to let the patient relieve themselves without excessive body movements that could potentially cause harm.
Self-Catheterization comes in many forms, from different tips to different tube insertion methods. All catheters are made to provide patients with comfort in releasing their urine.
Regardless of the gender of the patient, all self-catheterization techniques are the same.
Patients insert a pre-lubricated tube into the opening to reach the bladder and release urine. The best way to catheterize is by sitting in a squat position and inserting the tube into the urethral opening with firm yet gentle pressure.
The rest is done by the body itself, as when the tube reaches the bladder, the urine comes out immediately and gets transferred into a bowl.
Tips For Best Practices For Self-Catheterization
Despite how safe the process is, it essentially needs more than what’s provided in the catheter kit. Certain practices need to be performed with self-catheterization to avoid other diseases or physical problems that can worsen when left untreated.
You should know the proper techniques to help the whole process be effective and not cause any harm like UTIs and other urinary infections.
Here are three tips you must know before trying self-catheterization:
Choose the Right Size and Type of Catheter for Your Needs
A wide variety of catheters are available in the market that can fit anyone’s needs and comfort. To ensure that the procedure is done safely, it is essential to explore the variety of available catheters.
Talk to your medical practitioner about how the size system works and ask what size is preferable for first-time catheter users. The size, material, type, and insertion tip are some factors to consider.
The size of the catheter tube should not cause trauma or irritation to the urethra, and the correct French size can ensure that the urine flow is maximized. The most common material of the catheter is latex, but if you are allergic to latex material, vinyl and other materials are also available for use.
From uncoated catheters to hydrophilic catheters and more, you can choose whichever one provides the most comfort and fewer traumas. Adding insertion tips allows each insertion tip to fit differently to different bodies.
Practice Proper Technique
You must carefully learn the method of inserting the catheter tube into the urethra by a medical examiner to avoid irritating the urinary tract. Self-Catheterization isn’t meant to be learned by someone themselves. Instead, they are meant to be done with precision from the advice and guidance of a medical practitioner.
Learning materials are accessible to every patient when they return from the hospital. By using them as guidance, one can find them to be able to do self-Catheterization. The catheterization should only be performed after being guided by a healthcare professional.
By being aware of how you’re conducting the process, there are less likely chances of your urinary tract being impacted badly. Therefore, let yourself get comfortable with the process rather than blindly getting it done.
Practice Good Hygiene
Catheters are a single-use product; they should be avoided when reusing the same catheter tube despite cleaning. If used again, its already contaminated components can increase the chances of UTI in the urinary tract.
Despite being costly, it’s better not to reuse catheters as the bacteria can cause urinary infections and lead to diseases that will make it difficult to heal. By only using the sterile catheters only one time, you can allow there to be a decrease in risks of infection that can harm your body.
Summary
When it comes to receiving bladder issues, a doctor can advise you to self-catheterize after being discharged from the hospital. They’ll provide the necessary resources and demonstrate how to insert the catheter tube without complications.
You can only self-catheterize after a medical professional has guided you correctly, so do it only after receiving sufficient information. If you’re looking for quality catheters, check out Active Life Medical Products. They offer a variety of products that are fitted to whatever the patient is comfortable with.
How Active Life Medical Products Can Help With Catheter Supplies
You need a trusted catheter supplier when you require catheter supplies. Active Life Medical Products makes ordering the entire catheter supply process easy. Our Product Specialists can help you get your prescribed catheter covered through most insurances. Everything will be delivered directly to your front door.
Call Active Life Medical Products at (800) 319-2336 to place your order.
