When a patient is unable to naturally empty their bladder, a urinary catheter is a medical device that is utilised. In order to collect the urine, Intermittent Catheters typically incorporate a drainage bag. The bag may hang over the side of the bed for people who are confined to beds. The bag is often fastened to the leg of mobile patients using elastic bands.

When necessary, the bag may be dumped into the toilet. Several times a day, the catheter must be inserted and removed during intermittent catheterization. This eliminates the need to wear a catheter that is constantly draining.

It's not that difficult.
Intermittent catheterization is a really straightforward technique once you get the hang of it, despite the fact that it could first appear scary. The majority of people can catheterize themselves. Children as young as 7 or 8 years old can pick up catheterization on their own with some training. A parent or other caretaker can assist you if you are not physically capable of doing it yourself.

It's efficient.
Intermittent catheterization is an excellent alternative to a continuously draining catheter if you are unable to empty your bladder on your own. Long-term retention of urine in the bladder might cause a bloated bladder or a urinary tract infection. Catheterization on occasion could help keep those issues under control. Additionally, it could help some persons with urinary incontinence. You can lead a more active lifestyle since you can take the catheter out when your bladder is empty.

It's secure
Long-term or indwelling catheter problems may include:
- infection
- leaking
- blockage
- bladder twitches
Intermittent catheterization lowers the risk of experiencing these problems. It's rare that you'll damage yourself when catheterizing yourself after you understand how. You could have a higher quality of life than if you were using an indwelling catheter.

Who may use intermittent catheterization to their advantage?
If you have any of the following problems, your doctor could advise intermittent catheterization:
- urinary incontinence
- incontinence
- serious bladder issues that might harm the kidneys
Additionally, if you have spina bifida, a spinal cord damage, or certain neurological problems, your doctor could advise intermittent catheterization.

After some procedures on the prostate, the Instruments, or the abdomen, intermittent catheterization may be utilised briefly.

The operation of an intermittent catheter
The sterile catheter or tube will be inserted by a member of your healthcare team into your urethra, which joins your Instruments to your bladder. You next carefully insert the catheter into your bladder. Urine will then flow down the tube and into the bag as a result. You might need to reposition the Intermittent Catheters a little after the flow stops to check for any remaining urine. The catheter can be taken out when you've emptied your bladder. How to appropriately utilise the catheter will be explained to you by your medical staff. Any problems or adverse effects should be brought up with your doctor.

What drawbacks are there to intermittent catheterization?
You might need to quantify and keep track of the quantity of urine collected depending on your motivations for utilising catheterization. The drainage bag needs to be kept in good condition. Make sure you have everything you need on hand by keeping track of your supplies. Men may need some practise before they can successfully put the catheter through the sphincter muscles. Finding the urethra might be challenging for females. Rarely, a catheter may puncture a section of the urethra that is weak and result in bleeding. This demands emergency medical care.

Conclusion
How frequently you should use a catheter each day will be determined by your doctor. There are many different types and sizes of Intermittent Catheters. You might be able to order them by mail or at the medical supply store. A reused catheter that has to be sanitised in between usage or a brand-new, sterile catheter might both be prescribed by your doctor. It's possible that you'll also require lubricants and sanitizers.