How to Self-Catheterize for Women
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How to Use a Female Straight Catheter for Women
Important Note: As you prepare to use an uncoated straight female catheter, you’ll need to apply sterile lubricating jelly to the catheter before insertion.Try applying your catheter lubricant jelly by tearing or trimming off both ends of your lubricant packet. Next, slide the catheter back and forth through the packet to fully coat it (as shown below).
Female Catheterization Instructional Videos – How to Use a Straight Catheter for Women
180 Medical provides the following helpful female catheterization instructions and video guides so you can start learning how to cath hygienically and comfortably.
A message about intermittent catheters from 180 Medical founder Todd Brown.
This personalized catheterization video guide provides step-by-step female catheterization instructions for straight catheters and other catheter types. This guide also includes cathing instructions for women in wheelchairs.
Self-Catheterization for Females
The National Association for Continence (NAFC) provides this helpful intermittent self-catheterization video.
How to Use MTG EZ-Gripper® Urinary Catheters for Tetraplegic Self-Catheterization
See how to use MTG EZ-Gripper Urinary Catheter, designed for people with limited hand dexterity.
How to Use MTG EZ-Advancer® Urinary Catheters
This educational video demonstrates how to use the MTG EZ-Advancer® urinary catheter.
How To Use a Urinary Intermittent Female Catheter
This video shows how to use a Female Intermittent Urinary Catheter.
Tips for How to Use a Straight Catheter for Women
We offer step-by-step instructions and instructional videos, which demonstrate how to straight cath a woman (female).
One helpful tip for women who are learning how to self cath is to start by propping up a mirror on a stool or chair in front of you while on the toilet or in your wheelchair. This will allow you to better view the area and find the urethra more easily.
Here are a few more tips as you get started:
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- Wash your hands before doing anything else.
- Use a mirror to better visualize the area.
- Try to start self-cathing in a room with good lighting or use a flashlight as you begin to practice insertion. This will help you see more clearly.
- Don’t insert your catheter into your vagina.
- Remember, making mistakes at first may happen. If you drop your catheter or contaminate it by inserting it into the wrong hole, just try again with a fresh, sterile catheter.
How to Find the Female Urethra
Not sure how to find your urethra? It’s easier to use a mirror so you can see the area better while self-cathing.
The urethra is a small opening above the vagina opening.
Printable Instructions for How to Use a Straight Catheter for Women