A catheter drains urine from the bladder into a drainage bag which may be supported at thigh or calf level. The leg drainage bag requires changing every 5 to 7 days depending on manufacturers instructions. A Belly Bag or a catheter valve may be recommended. Your District Nurse or Continence Advisor will advise you on which type may be appropriate for your needs.
Urinary catheters: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
If you have a catheter you may experience some common problems with the drainage system from time to time. Remove the catheter and try again in an hour. However if your bladder is full and you are uncomfortable you will need to visit your nearest emergency department for assistance immediately. This can happen sometimes because the lubricating gel has blocked the drainage holes on the catheter.
Urinary catheters are used to drain the bladder. Your health care provider may recommend that you use a catheter if you have:. Catheters come in many sizes, materials latex, silicone, Teflon , and types straight or coude tip. A Foley catheter is a common type of indwelling catheter. It has, soft, plastic or rubber tube that is inserted into the bladder to drain the urine.
Self-catheterization is a way to completely empty your bladder when you need to. You put a thin tube called a catheter into your bladder. This lets the urine flow out. You may use a catheter if you have nerve damage, a problem with your urinary tract, or diseases that weaken your bladder muscles.