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Some people with incontinence may need a catheter to help manage bladder (wee) problems.
A catheter is a thin tube placed in the bladder to drain urine (wee). It can be used short-term (after surgery or during illness) or long-term (for ongoing bladder issues).
Why someone may need a catheter
Reasons a person may need a catheter include:
- trouble emptying the bladder (urinary retention)
- blockage in the bladder outlet
- comfort during end-of-life care
- healing wounds in the pelvic area
- monitoring urine (wee) output during surgery or illness
- long-term conditions such as spinal cord injury or neurological disease.
Types of catheters
- Indwelling catheter (Foley): stays in the bladder and drains into a bag
- Intermittent catheter: inserted and removed several times a day
- External catheter (urosheath or condom drainage): worn like a sheath over the penis (for some men and people assigned male at birth)
Your continence health professional will advise you if you need a catheter and which type is right for you. They will also teach you how to manage it.
Support and self-care
People using catheters long-term often learn through trial and error. Support from a nurse continence specialist can help. It’s important to ask questions and get advice tailored to your needs.
We also have tips to manage your catheter.
If you have questions or want to talk to a nurse continence specialist, call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 for free and confidential information and support.
They also provide a wide range of continence-related resources and referrals to local services. Open Monday to Friday 8am-8pm AEST.
This content has been reviewed by subject matter experts in line with Continence Health Australia’s established process. Read about our clinical content review protocol.