Urinary catheter placement
Foley catheter · bladder catheter · urinary catheter
A thin, soft tube is passed through the urethra into the bladder so urine drains into a bag.
When you cannot pass urine on your own, during and after surgery, to measure urine exactly, or for some illnesses.
⏱ Duration: placing it usually takes 5 to 10 minutes; the catheter stays in from a few hours to a few weeks
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Hygiene. If you can, wash your genital area beforehand. The nurse will clean the skin anyway.
- Feeling ready. Ask what the nurse is going to do. You can ask for a screen.
What to bring
- Clean underwear
- If you go home with the catheter: your questions for the nurse about the bag and care
How it goes
- You lie on your back with your legs slightly apart
- The skin around the area is cleaned with antiseptic
- A numbing gel is put into the urethra
- The tube is slowly moved up into the bladder
- When urine starts to flow, a small balloon inside is filled. It holds the catheter in place
- The tube is connected to a bag and taped to your leg
What you'll feel
- Coolness from the antiseptic
- Burning and pressure as the tube goes in
- An urge to pee. This is normal and usually passes
Afterwards
- Keep the bag below your bladder, and do not put it on the floor
- Drink enough water, unless your doctor limited it
- Do not pull on the tube, and make sure it is not kinked
- Wash the skin around the catheter with soap every day
- When the catheter is removed, the balloon is emptied first. It is quick
- For a while after removal, peeing may burn a little
Contact a doctor straight away if
- No urine in the bag for several hours, and your lower belly feels full and tight
- Fever above 38 degrees, or chills
- Blood or clots in the urine
- The catheter fell out, or severe pain in the lower belly
Common questions
Does putting in a urinary catheter hurt?
Usually it is uncomfortable but bearable, because a numbing gel is used. Most people feel burning and an urge to pee.
Why do I keep feeling I need the toilet with a catheter?
The balloon irritates the bladder. It usually passes. If it does not, tell your doctor.