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Using a catheter can increase the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), especially if it stays in place for a long time.
Here are steps you can take to look after your catheter and prevent problems.
Keep the catheter clean
Wash hands before and after changing the bag. Keep the catheter and surrounding area clean – use a natural pH wash on the skin surrounding the catheter.
Drink enough fluids
Unless your doctor advises not to, drink enough fluids. This helps keep urine (wee) flowing and reduces the risk of infection.
Empty the drainage bag regularly
Don’t let the catheter draining bag get too full – it’s best to empty the bag when it’s half to three-quarters full.
Always keep the bag below the level of the bladder.
Change the leg bag every week.
Connect the overnight bag to the bottom of the leg bag overnight and dispose of the overnight bag in the morning.
Avoid pulling or tugging
Secure the catheter to the leg or abdomen (belly) to prevent it from moving too much, which can result in uncomfortable pulling.
Make sure you can still walk and move comfortably with the catheter secured.
Watch for signs of leaking
If urine (wee) is leaking around the catheter (called bypassing) or if the drainage bag isn’t filling despite fluid intake, the catheter may be blocked.
Other signs include:
- lower abdominal (tummy) pain
- a feeling of fullness
- noticing the urine (wee) backing up into the bladder.
If you have these symptoms, see your health professional straightaway.
Watch for signs of infection
Signs of an infected catheter include:
- fever or chills
- cloudy or smelly urine (wee)
- pain or discomfort
- blood in the urine (wee) bag or around the catheter.
If you have these symptoms see your health professional straightaway.
If you use a catheter long-term, your catheter will need to be changed every 6 to 12 weeks as advised by your health professional.
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.
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.