Mastering intermittent self-catheterization: A step-by-step guide for independent males who use wheelchairs or mobility support. This guide covers everyone with a bladder dysfunction who wants to or has to self-catheterise to evacuate urine. Our guide has helpful solutions for everyone, from beginners to seasoned catheterisers.

This comprehensive, detailed guide explores Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization (CISC) for individuals with Spina Bifida, focusing on bladder management, hygiene practices, and selecting the right catheter. CISC enhances bladder control, reduces the risk of urinary tract infections, and empowers individuals with autonomy over their health. Learn about effective techniques, preparation steps, and psychological aspects to foster independence and improve quality of life. Though most of the steps mentioned could be used anywhere, this guide covers catheterisation at home.

What is Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization (CISC)?

Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization (CISC), Intermittent Self-Catheterization (ISC) or Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC) is a medical procedure that involves the periodic insertion of a catheter into the bladder to evacuate urine. This practice is especially relevant for individuals with Spina Bifida, a condition that often leads to bladder dysfunction due to nerve damage called neurogenic bladder. The primary goal of Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization (CISC) is to improve bladder management, ensuring that the bladder is emptied regularly and effectively to avoid complications associated with urinary retention.

What are the benefits of Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization (CISC)?

The benefits of Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization (CISC) are multi-faceted. Firstly, CISC enhances bladder control, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other complications, such as bladder stones and renal impairment. CISC prevents Vesicoureteral reflux, preventing the backflow of urine that could damage the kidneys. Regular emptying of the bladder helps manage urinary storage and voiding at will, which is crucial for individuals who can’t urinate by themselves. Moreover, this method promotes better hygiene and reduces the occurrence of incontinence episodes, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life, supporting your social and love life, and promoting sexual health.

Furthermore, Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization empowers individuals with Spina Bifida by providing them with autonomy over their bladder health. When SB individuals learn to perform self-catheterization independently, they gain confidence and a sense of control, enabling enhanced participation in daily activities. Our education surrounding CISC also includes instruction on proper techniques, hygiene practices, and the choice of appropriate catheters, which contributes to the overall effectiveness of the procedure.

Additionally, the relevance of CISC extends to its role in long-term health management. By adopting the Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization practice, individuals can establish a sustainable routine that supports their bladder health, ultimately lessening the impact of Spina Bifida on their daily lives. In short, understanding the fundamentals of Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization is crucial for individuals with Spina Bifida, as it lays the groundwork for effective bladder management and enhances overall well-being.

Understanding Spina Bifida and Its Impact on Bladder Function

Understanding the impact of Spina Bifida on bladder function is fundamental for developing effective management strategies tailored to individual needs. Spina Bifida, a congenital condition characterized by the incomplete closure of the spinal column, can profoundly influence an individual’s bladder control and overall urinary function. This condition arises during foetal development, leading to varying degrees of neurological impairment that can affect the spinal cord and associated nerve pathways. In many instances, individuals with Spina Bifida experience neurogenic bladder, a condition where the nerves that control bladder function are damaged or non-functional, resulting in altered bladder sensation and control.

The severity of bladder dysfunction may vary significantly among those who have Spina Bifida, depending primarily on the level and extent of spinal cord involvement. Some individuals may experience a flaccid bladder, which is unable to contract effectively, leading to urinary retention. Conversely, others may experience an overactive bladder, characterized by frequent or involuntary contractions that result in urgency and incontinence. These physiological challenges necessitate tailored bladder management strategies to ensure a high quality of life and minimize complications such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney damage.

Effective bladder management is crucial for individuals with Spina Bifida. One common approach to maintaining greater control over their urinary health is Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization.

Preparing for Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization: The Three Most Important Steps

The three most important steps for Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization are:

Private Part Hygiene

One of the most critical aspects of intermittent self-catheterization is ensuring proper private part hygiene to prevent infections and maintain overall health. The genital area can harbour bacteria and other microorganisms that may pose a risk if introduced into the urethra during the catheterization process. Cleaning the area thoroughly during shower is essential to reduce the likelihood of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

If the person has had an episode of diarrhoea and soiled his or her diaper/underwear, the genital area and buttocks should be cleaned thoroughly from front to back with mild soap and water. This method helps prevent bacteria from the anal region from coming into contact with the urethra. The most common bacteria found in UTIs is E. coli, and E. coli is found in stool.

For all boys and men

For men, it’s important to pay special attention to cleaning the tip of the penis, particularly around the urethral opening. If the foreskin is present, it should be retracted for thorough cleaning to remove any smegma or buildup and returned to its original position afterward. You can clean it using water and mild soap or an intimate wash. Wearing clean, loose-fitting, and breathable underwear made of natural fabrics like cotton helps maintain airflow and reduces excessive sweating, further reducing bacterial growth.

Note for teenage boys and adult men

Removing hair in the pubic and buttocks region will help you maintain better hygiene. You can use methods like shaving or hair removing creams (for sensitive skin) that are not harsh on the skin. The skin on the testicles is very thin and sensitive, so always test the hair-removing cream first by applying it on your forearm before applying it there.

Never insert a catheter right after sexual activity; first, urinate (even if you have to put some pressure to urinate). During oral sex and sexual intercourse, bacteria could enter your urethra and urinary tract. Urinating after sexual intercourse helps to flush out the urinary tract and any bacteria that might be there. Drinking 2 glasses of water after sexual activity may help promote urination and the flushing of bacteria. Clean your penis before and after oral sex or sexual intercourse. Always use a condom when engaging in sexual intercourse as it can help prevent STIs and UTIs. Some Spina Bifida individuals are allergic to latex, so use latex-free condoms.

A frequently asked question

We often get this question: “Do I need to clean my genitals with Betadine or an antiseptic towelette every time before I catheterise?” The answer to this is, “No. If you are bathing daily and maintaining good levels of hygiene in your pubic area, you don’t need to clean your genitals before every catheter.” This practice is not feasible, catheterization is something that should be done quickly and anywhere. Using Betadine adds an extra step in the process, an extra supply to carry, and sometimes stains underwear or clothes.

Hand Hygiene

The second consideration is hand hygiene, as it plays a crucial role in preventing urinary tract infections, which can be a concern for individuals using catheters. It is of utmost importance to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. This practice has to be followed for both before and after catheterization.

Effective hand hygiene steps are

• Wet hands with tap running water. Do not wash hands with a bucket or tub of stored water.
• Apply soap and lather. Rub your fingers and hands together for at least 20 seconds. Remember to clean in between your fingers and your fingertips.
• Rinse but do not dry with a towel.
• Only touch the three things that need to be touched. Touch the body parts needed to self-catheterise that is penis or labia. Other things to be touched are the catheter and the lubricating jelly (Lidocaine 2%). 
• If you touch the door, toilet, wheelchair or clothes, use sanitiser or re-wash your hands before catheterising.
  
  

A frequently asked question

We often get this question: “Do I need to use hand sanitiser before intermittent self-catheterization?”. The answer to this is, “You don’t need to sanitize your hands if you can wash them with soap and tap running water and only touch your catheterization gear and organ. But if you lack soap and water or have touched other objects after washing, you must sanitize your hands before catheterization.”

In instances such as using public washrooms or self-catheterizing while road traveling, the absence of running water in the vestibule makes hand hygiene a challenge. Also, inevitably, after hand washing, you end up touching your clothes. In such situations, it becomes essential to thoroughly sanitize your hands before handling your genital area, catheter, or lubricant to ensure a safe and clean catheterization process.

Also, while travelling by train and plane, you encounter self-closing taps. The water comes out till you keep pressing and thus makes hand hygiene a challenge. In such situations, you should use hand sanitiser before catheterising. Any hand sanitiser that has a high alcohol content is good. However, if you are looking for something long-lasting, effective and compact while travelling, try this one out.

Choosing the Right Intermittent Catheter

What is an Intermittent Catheter?

An intermittent catheter is a thin, flexible tube inserted into the urethra (the channel that carries urine out of your body) to drain urine from the bladder when someone can’t to do so on their own or needs help emptying the bladder regularly.

Catheter type

When it comes to mastering Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization, selecting the right catheter is of paramount importance. Individuals with Spina Bifida may have unique requirements based on their specific situation; choosing a catheter is a critical element in ensuring comfort, ease of use, and effective management. In India, there aren’t many types of intermittent catheters available. Here, we only have one type of intermittent catheter, and it is made from medical grade PVC.

These PVC intermittent catheters are single-use, disposable catheters that help decrease the risk of infection because they are individually wrapped in sterile packaging before use. These catheters are non-hydrophilic (uncoated), and a lubricant is required while catheterising. Two famous companies making these affordable disposable intermittent catheters for both males and females are Polymed and Romsons.

Catheter size

Size also plays a critical role in the intermittent catheter selection process. Catheter size relates to the thickness or diameter of the catheter and is measured in French Gauge (FG). French sizes only apply to intermittent and indwelling (Foley) catheters. French size does not apply to the length of the catheter. The appropriate size often depends on the individual’s gender, anatomy and comfort. For some, a smaller catheter may offer less discomfort and ease of insertion, while others may find a larger size more effective.

The average catheter size for adult men, women and children are as follows:

• The average catheter size used by adult men ranges from 14FR to 16FR. Most men use 14FR catheters.
• The average catheter size used by adult women ranges from 10FR to 12FR. Most women use 12FR catheters.
• The average catheter size used by children (paediatric) ranges between 6FR and 10FR.

Most catheter manufacturers follow a universal system of color-coding to label the catheter size. Regardless of brand, most intermittent catheters have color-coded funnels that indicate their French size:

The image below will help you understand color coding better.

Catheter length

While intermittent catheters have French sizes according to diameter, it is also important to consider the length. You should choose a catheter length appropriate for your body type and medical needs.

Intermittent catheters are manufactured in three lengths:

• Standard Indian female length catheters average 17-20 cm long. Anatomically, women have a much shorter urethra (average is 3 cm) and can use a shorter catheter designed for women. Some women or those with reduced mobility or a stoma may prefer to use a catheter designed for males.
• Standard male length catheters average 37-40 cm long. Men have a longer urethra (average 17.55 cm) and require a longer catheter because of this anatomical difference.
• Paediatric length catheters average 27-33 cm long. Shorter length intermittent catheters may be easier for children to grasp and use, allowing for better flow.

Ultimately, the choice of catheter should align with the individual’s gender, age, and medical advice to ensure successful self-catheterization.

Note for everyone who reuses catheters

We often get this question: “Should I wash and reuse a urinary catheter?”. The answer to this is, “No, you should not. It will lead to a high number of UTIs. However, there are situations where patients cannot afford a new catheter each time it needs to be changed.

While cost concerns are understandable, our observations show that reusing catheters can be equally, if not more, expensive than using disposable ones. Reuse often results in increased UTIs, thus increasing expenses from frequent doctor visits, additional urine cultures, extended antibiotic treatments, and the added burden of unnecessary suffering.

Never reuse a single-use catheter, as doing so increases your risk of infection and injury. However, if you’re reusing a catheter, properly clean and store your catheters between uses.

Note for everyone who uses feeding tube (FT) as catheters

Also, we commonly see that across genders, from 11-year-old kids to 35-year-old adults, are using feeding tube for intermittent self-catheterization and their health care providers are not correcting them.

In some situations, particularly in neonates and young children, a feeding tube might be used as a temporary urinary catheter, for example, when a child is too young or just starting intermittent self-catheterization. In some situations, an adult might be taught to use a feeding tube if he or she is just starting or has issues with getting used to catheterzation. For both the children and adults, this is a temporary option, and gradually, they should be taught and encouraged to move on to using proper dedicated intermittent catheters.

Besides taking a long time to evacuate urine, using a feeding tube for a long time could lead to knotting. Knotting is when the tube spontaneously knots inside the bladder, which will require surgical removal.

Catheterization in a Toilet for Independent Males Who Use Mobility Support

This section provides step-by-step guidance on intermittent self-catheterization for independent male children and adults who use wheelchairs or cannot stand without assistance. Despite mobility challenges, it is aimed at those who are independent and trained to catheterise themselves. The process focuses on catheterization performed in a toilet.

One can catheterise in various positions. A catheterising position depends on your comfort and leg strength.

Important note: This guide provides an example of how most individuals perform intermittent self-catheterization. It’s important to remember that each person’s needs and abilities are unique. Your mobility and health requirements will guide you in finding the approach that suits you best. Please remember that finding an impeccably clean environment may not always be possible, particularly in public washrooms. However, the steps outlined here remain the best practices to follow. A separate article will address the process of catheterising in a public washroom.

Before we jump to the steps, let’s discuss the necessary supplies you will need.

Necessary Supplies

• Catheter
• Lidocaine Jelly (Lox 2%)
• SS Container or for storing and reusing Lidocaine jelly
• SS Container for storing the catheter
• One bathroom rack or bracket
• Sanitizer
• Hand paper towels (optional)
• Polypropylene autoclavable container for urine (optional)
• Something to clean the private part

Lidocaine Jelly: A lubricant is essential for safe catheterization and to prevent injury to the urethra. You must use this lubricant jelly in big quantity. One tube should last for just 6-7 times for children and 5-6 times for adults. Many manufacturers are selling these in the market. One of the best ones that is available at affordable rates is Lox Jelly 2% by Neon Laboratories. Contact Sasha if you want this product from the company’s suppliers at an amazing discounted rate.

SS Container for storing and reusing Lidocaine jelly: Purchase two stainless steel containers with lids to store the Lox Jelly until it is used up and ready for disposal. Using two containers ensures easier recycling while maintaining proper hygiene. Begin by boiling one container, drying it thoroughly with tissues or a clean cloth, and using it for one week. The following week, wash and sterilize this container, then boil the spare container and repeat the process.

SS Container for storing the catheter: Purchase one or two SS medical surgical trays to store 4-5 catheters in the toilet. You can refill this tray with catheters as and when you need more. Begin by boiling one container/tray, drying it thoroughly with tissues or a clean cloth, and using it for one week. The following week, wash and sterilize this container/tray, then boil the spare container/tray and repeat the process. This helps maintain a better hygiene level as you are not stocking your catheters in the toilet and can wash this tray periodically.

One bathroom rack or bracket: A bathroomrack or bracket is required at an accessible height and length near the pot. A rack at your arm’s length on which you can store and access your catheter and jelly easily.

Sanitizer: Keep a sanitizer bottle within reach to disinfect your hands before starting catheterization. Whether you choose to pee directly in the pot or a container, wheelchair users have to renavigate after washing their hands using the wheelchair’s push ring. Thus, after you are in your ideal place and position, you must sanitize your hands before touching the catheter, jelly and your organ.

Hand paper towels (optional): This is an optional option that helps good hand hygiene. After you wash your hands, you can grab one in each hand and use it on your wheelchair’s push ring to renavigate to your ideal place or position. It will be an added monthly cost, so if you want to avoid it and just use the sanitizer, you can.

Polypropylene autoclavable container for urine (optional): You will require a container to collect the urine expelled through the catheter. It is a reusable option. It is recommended to use a polypropylene autoclavable container which has a handle that is open from one side so you can hang this on a strap/loop (read below) on your wheelchair.

Something to clean the private part: Cut a large cotton towel into 15–20 small, handkerchief-sized pieces, making them easy to wash and reuse. These reusable towels are ideal for wiping away excess jelly and cleaning private parts after catheterization. Every time you catheterise, use a washed clean towel, and after your use, set it aside for washing. You can also use tissue or toilet paper.

Loop or strap for urine container: Most wheelchairs sold in the West come with a loop in front of the wheelchair. This loop is attached to the base where one sits. This is useful for people who want to catheterise in a container, as the container can be hung here. In India, the wheelchairs don’t have this loop, so you can get this locally made and fixed. One option is to have this loop directly fixed under the base where you sit, and the other would be a strap with a loop that hangs on the front two legs.

Step-by-step Guide: How to Catheterise

Step 1 – Enter the toilet

Step 2 – Slide the underwear or diaper down to your knees. Fold the top or the T-shirt upwards so it doesn’t come in the way.

Step 3 – Wash your hands with soap and tap water, following the hand hygiene process explained earlier. After washing, only touch the three things that need to be touched. Don’t touch the tap with your hands to close it. Take someone’s help to close the tap or leave it open. If possible, get a tap that can be closed and operated with the elbow or back of your hand.

Step 4 – With the help of the push rings on your wheelchair, navigate to a catheterisation position you prefer

Option 1: Position to directly pee in the pot

1. Take a position right in front of the toilet. Make sure this position allows you to access your supplies easily.
2. Let your legs fall sideways in a V shape.
3. Push your wheelchair closer to the pot.
4. Put locks/breaks on your wheelchair.
5. Sanitize your hands before handling your supplies.

Option 2: Position to directly pee in a container

1. Take a position right in front of the toilet, leaving enough space between the toilet and the toes of your feet to allow you to lift your feet. If the toilet space allows it, positioning your wheelchair beside the toilet provides more lid space to position your feet. Make sure this position allows you to access your supplies easily.
2. You could hang your urine container on the loop now or after positioning your feet on the toilet (after e).
3. You will have to put your feet on the toilet. Plastic is less slippery than porcelain, so make sure to put the seat down before positioning your feet.
4. Now, you will put your feet on the toilet, one at a time. Depending on your mobility and preference, you can lift your feet by the ankles, by the lower leg or by using the loops of your shoes, if you have them. If possible, slide forward in your chair by using wheelchair handles to allow some pelvic tilt. Please don’t be too close to the toilet as it will put unnecessary pressure on the feet, which could cause them to fall in the toilet.
5. With your feet on the toilet, you will position your feet and legs with soles of your feet facing together (each other) with your knees pointing outwards in a V shape. It doesn’t matter if you are wearing your shoes or not, as this helps in balancing. Feet facing downwards have more chances of falling into the toilet.
6. Sanitize your hands before handling your supplies.

Step 6 – In this step, you will insert the jelly into your urethra.

1. Hold your penis with your left (other) hand.
2. With your right (dominant) hand push penis’s foreskin back (if uncircumcised).
3. Now, with your right hand, pick the jelly tube from the container lying on the rack.
4. Insert the tip (white nozzle) of the jelly tube into the urethral opening (small hole on the tip of the penis)
5. Squeeze with force and push a good quantity of jelly into the urethra so it travels and lubricates deep inside urethra.
6. You can either put the jelly back in its SS container or keep holding it in your right hand.
7. Leave the penis.

Step 7 – Using both hands, pick the catheter from the SS container. Remove the catheter from its jacket (cover). Some people like to use their hands and teeth to remove the catheter. Hold it in your left (other) hand. Make sure it doesn’t touch anything.

Step 8 – Now, pick the jelly with your right hand and start lubricating the catheter you are holding in your left hand. Lubricate the catheter halfway only.

Step 9 – In this step, you will insert the catheter into your urethra.

1. Hold your penis with your left (other) hand. The tip of the penis should be facing straight, about a 90-degree angle (towards the front wall).
2. Make sure the foreskin is pulled back (if uncircumcised).
3. Now, with your right hand, slowly start inserting the catheter into the urethral opening.
4. After inserting the catheter approximately 3-4 inches you may encounter slight resistance. Stop here for a second.
5. Now, with your right hand, put the jelly on the rest of the catheter that remains out.
6. We are still at the place where you felt some resistance. Now, with your left hand move the penis down diagonally so that the penis tip is facing the pot. This adjustment helps navigate the natural curve of the male urethra with ease.
7. When you have inserted the catheter about 6 inches, you may feel some obstruction or that the catheter has hit something (it may feel like you cannot push the catheter any farther). This is because you have reached the area of the sphincter muscle. Do not move the catheter in and out when you meet resistance; keep applying gentle but firm pressure until the catheter advances into the bladder.
8. With your right hand, keep pushing the rest of the catheter into the bladder. Here, the urine will start flowing out. Even after the urine starts flowing, keep pushing the catheter.
9. Stop pushing the catheter further when there is a 1-2 inches difference between the penis tip and the catheter’s output funnel.
10. Wait for the urine to drain out. Depending on the size (diameter) of the catheter, it could take 2-4 mins.
11. Don’t think that the bladder is empty when the urine stops flowing. Not yet.
12. Now, with your right hand, start pulling the catheter out slowly. You will see again that some urine is coming out; stop pulling the catheter and let it drain. Once the urine stops, start pulling the catheter out slowly and see if some more urine flows out. If urine is coming out again, wait for it to drain. This is to ensure complete emptying of the bladder.
13. Remove the catheter fully once there is no more urine flow and you are sure the bladder is empty.
14. Leave the penis.
15. Put the used catheter back in its jacket (cover) and put it away so later on you can throw it in a dustbin.

Step 10 – Clean the excess jelly on the penis tip that has come out from the urethra or fell from the catheter on the genital area.

1. Gently press the tip of the penis to squeeze the extra jelly out. Clean this excess jelly with tissue, toilet paper or a cloth that you made to clean the private part.

Step 11 – Wash your hands with soap and tap water

Step 12 – Close the lid of the SS containers that store the jelly and the catheters

Step 13 – Wear your diaper or underwear. Put on your bottoms.

I am Tight on Budget: I can’t Practice the Use and Throw Method

Although we strongly discourage this approach, there are situations where it may be the only viable option for managing bladder health. If reusable catheters are employed, they must be adequately cleaned following the following guidelines

1. Store your catheter in Betadine: Fill a stainless-steel container with enough Betadine to completely submerge the catheter. Choose a container with a lid or cover it with a stainless-steel cover. Ensure the container is cleaned and boiled weekly to maintain proper hygiene.
2. Use plain forceps: Use plain forceps to remove the catheter from the Betadine-filled container. Ensure the forceps are cleaned and boiled weekly to maintain proper hygiene.
3. Wash catheter with water before and after use: Thoroughly rinse the catheter under running tap water both before and after use. Ensure that it remains clean and does not come into contact with anything. Please don’t use hot water as it can damage the catheter and lead to urethra injury.
4. Wash your hand: Wash your hand properly before you touch the container or the forceps.
5. Reuse catheter only for a week: Avoid reusing a catheter for longer than a week.

Often, Indian doctors recommend this practice to their patients. It’s important to note that such recommendations typically come from doctors in government hospitals, primarily because these hospitals often lack the funding to provide a full month’s supply of single-use catheters to each patient.

Post-Catheterization Care and Maintenance

After self-catheterization, proper post self-catheterization care is essential to ensure urinary health and the effectiveness of this procedure.

Verifying Proper Bladder Emptying

Verifying proper bladder emptying is a crucial part of post-catheterization care. After the self-catheterization process, individuals should monitor for signs of complete bladder emptying, which means post-void residual volume should be less than 50 ml. There are a couple of ways you can do so:

Maintaining a urine diary

We suggest this when someone is just starting catheterization or has been catheterising for a long time but is seeing signs like an increase in catheterization frequency, urine incontinence (leakage) or both.

A urine diary involves meticulously tracking your daily liquid intake and urine output, including the timing for each. For the intake, you record the quantity and type of fluids consumed—such as water, milk, juice, tea, or coffee—along with the exact times. For the output, you note what time you catheterised and the voided urine volume. By comparing your fluid intake to urine output, you can better understand when your bladder feels full and identify the leakage patterns. With this information, you can have an informed discussion with your doctor. This verification helps in identifying potential complications early, including urinary retention or incomplete catheterization. Get in touch with Sasha if you want to learn more about this.

KUB ultrasound

A kidney and urinary bladder ultrasound (sonography), performed both before and after voiding (post-catheterization), is an effective method to detect complications or incomplete catheterization. It is considered the most reliable test for estimating residual urine volume, with a residual volume of less than 50 ml being regarded as normal.

For those new to catheterization, undergoing an ultrasound is generally recommended to ensure proper management and identify any potential issues early on. Individuals with long-term catheterization experience who are not experiencing any bladder-related problems may consider having an annual ultrasound for routine monitoring.

Awareness of potential complications is vital for ongoing bladder health management. Signs to monitor include discomfort or pain, urination urgency shortly after catheterization, or any unusual changes.

Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Self-Catheterization

Learning self-catheterization can bring a unique set of emotional and psychological challenges, particularly for individuals with Spina Bifida. This process may evoke feelings of anxiety, embarrassment, or frustration, as it often involves adjusting to a new routine that is critical for maintaining independence and health. The emotional response to self-catheterization may differ from person to person; however, it is important to acknowledge these feelings and address them constructively.

One of the most effective coping strategies is to seek support from others who understand the process. This support can come from healthcare professionals, family members, or Sasha’s support groups, comprised of individuals with similar experiences. Engaging in open discussions about the challenges of self-catheterization can help overcome apprehension and foster a sense of community. At Sasha, we offer invaluable insights into practical strategies for overcoming obstacles.

Maintaining a positive outlook throughout the self-catheterization process is also essential. Relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or deep-breathing exercises, can alleviate stress associated with the initial learning period.

Lastly, it is crucial to remember that self-catheterization is a skill that can be mastered over time. Celebrating small milestones can significantly impact one’s emotional well-being and self-esteem. In time, individuals may find themselves more comfortable with the process, leading to increased confidence and independence. Thus, embracing both the challenges and rewards of self-catheterization can contribute to a positive, empowering journey toward self-management and autonomy.

Sasha’s Suggestion: A Catheterization-Friendly Washroom

A “catheterization-friendly washroom” is a restroom designed with features that accommodate individuals who catheterise, ensuring they can manage their needs safely, hygienically, and with dignity. A catheterization-friendly washroom also helps in reducing UTIs.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes a washroom catheterization-friendly:

• Private bathroom.
• Appropriate toilet and sink height.
• Sink with soap and hot water.
• A tap that can be opened and shut by elbow or back of the hand.
• Shelf under the sink or a rack to store everyday catheter and jelly supply.
• Clean and hygienic environment.
• Additional space.
• Waste disposal facilities.
• Handrails (for people who need support)
  
  

Links to Some of the Necessary Items we Talked About

These sellers we are mentioning here have not sponsored this and are not affiliated in any way or form. Please feel free to buy what you please, our goal is to guide you in the right direction. Disclaimer: we haven’t tried these products so we don’t take responsibility for durability or fit.

• Reusable bed protector sheet: BeyBee waterproof quick dry sheet
• Container for urine: IS IndoSurgicals unisex polypropylene autoclavable urinal
• SS Tray with lid for catheter: IS IndoSurgicals stainless steel instrument tray with cover
• SS Container for lubricant jelly: Sumeet stainless steel rectangle lunch box
• Intermittent catheters in India: Polymed and Romsons. Both make for males and females
• Lubricating jelly: Lox 2% (Lidocaine) by Neon Laboratories
  
  

Please Note

The information provided on our website is not intended as medical advice for any individual. Since specific cases may differ from the general information presented, SASHA recommends consulting a qualified medical or other professional for personalized advice.

About the Author

Raul/DJ Vivek

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Meet Vivek Bharadwaj, a remarkable individual who has defied the odds and soared to new heights despite living with Spina Bifida. As the founder of the Sasha Foundation, Vivek tirelessly advocates for others facing similar challenges. His unwavering commitment to support, awareness, and empowerment had made a lasting impact on the Spina Bifida community.

• Raul/DJ Vivek

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  Self-Catheterization in a Toilet: Females Who Can Stand
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  Self-Catheterization in a Toilet: Males Who Can Stand
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  Self-Catheterization in a Toilet: Female Wheelchair Users
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  Self-Catheterization in a Toilet: Male Wheelchair Users

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