One of the most common complications for people who intermittently self-catheterize is the development of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Here are some helpful tips for preventing UTIs when cathing and answers to common questions about catheter-related UTIs.
If you need catheter supplies, contact 180 Medical. We’re ready to help you find the catheter that best fits your needs and may even help reduce your risk of urinary tract infections.
What Are Common Symptoms of UTIs?
Some common symptoms of urinary tract infections that you may experience may include:
- Smelly or cloudy urine
- Blood appearing in the urine
- Fever
- Chills
- Increased urgency (feeling the need to empty your bladder often & sometimes without warning)
- Pain in the abdomen or lower back
- A burning, uncomfortable sensation inside the urethra
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a UTI, see your doctor as soon as possible. The sooner your treatment can begin, the sooner you can beat your UTI and start feeling better.
Is There a Higher Risk of UTIs with Catheters?
Self-cathing requires the insertion of a foreign object (a catheter) into your urethra to drain the bladder. This may increase the possibility of bacteria being pushed farther into the urethra. In the end, this may cause an infection if the bacteria linger and multiply.
UTIs are sometimes known as CAUTIs (catheter-associated urinary tract infections). This happens when an infection develops in a person who uses catheters.
CAUTIs occur when bacteria or pathogens are introduced to the urethra via a Foley catheter or intermittent catheter. From there, the bacteria can travel up to enter the bladder and even the kidneys if the infection goes untreated.
Top 7 Tips for Preventing UTIs When You Use Catheters
Consider the following tips for preventing the occurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
1. Follow your prescribed cathing schedule.
Cathing as prescribed helps ensure your bladder is emptied regularly, which can reduce the risk of bacteria buildup. Holding urine in for too long can lead to bacterial growth, so it’s crucial to maintain your routine.
2. Wash your hands before and after catheterization.
If you don’t practice proper hygiene by washing your hands well, the germs on your hands may contaminate your catheter as you insert it. Using sterile gloves is a good option for preventing contamination from your hands if you don’t have easy access to clean water and soap.
3. Don’t reuse catheters.
Reusing catheters may increase your risk of contracting a UTI or a bladder infection. Even if you’re cleaning your catheters after using them, they can still have bacteria and pathogens on or inside the tube. Once your catheter has been used, it is no longer sterile. Just throw it away after use, and be sure to keep enough catheter supplies on hand so you’ll have a new sterile catheter ready when it’s time to self-cath again.
Most private insurance companies, state Medicaid programs, and Medicare cover enough intermittent catheters per month to ensure you don’t have to wash and reuse your catheters.
Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about your current insurance policy’s coverage for catheters and other related urological supplies.
4. Make sure you’re using enough catheter lubrication.
Using adequate catheter lubricant, whether in sterile individual packets or a tube, helps minimize irritation to your urethra as you insert and withdraw your intermittent catheter.
5. Try hydrophilic catheters.
Hydrophilic catheters, such as the GentleCath™ Glide (available in both male length and female length), are designed to reduce the discomfort of urethral irritation and friction even more than standard straight catheters and lubrication.
Hydrophilic catheters also typically include a handling sleeve which will allow you to guide the catheter in without actually touching the tube, which minimizes the risk of contamination from your hands.
6. Use a closed system with a pre-lubricated introducer tip.
The soft, flexible introducer tip lets the catheter get past where the highest concentrations of bacteria are located, which can minimize the risk of pushing germs farther up your urethra.
Closed system catheters come with collection bags. Often, these catheters also include insertion supplies, such as disinfecting wipes and gloves. This type of catheter can be especially useful for those who are in wheelchairs or people who travel frequently and use public restrooms.
7. Learn how to use catheters hygienically.
Learning how to catheterize hygienically to reduce your risk of catheter-associated UTIs (CAUTIs) is important. Practice clean catheterization techniques by keeping your supplies sterile and avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces. Carry disinfecting wipes to clean the catheter insertion area and minimize contamination.
FAQs About Catheters and UTIs
Can you get a UTI from a public restroom?
While public restrooms can be less sanitary, most UTIs from catheter use result from hand contamination or bacteria introduced during insertion. The best way to reduce your risk is catheterizing hygienically, keeping your hands off the parts of the catheter that you insert into the body, and always bring disinfecting wipes or underpads to avoid any contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
Get more tips for using catheters in public restrooms here.
Can using lube cause a UTI?
Using sterile lubricant designed for medical use is important. Some non-sterile or scented lubricants may increase the risk of infection. It is not recommended to use petroleum-based products like Vaseline as a lubricant for catheterization.
180 Medical offers several high-quality options from different popular brands like HR HealthCare and Surgilube. The most sterile lubricant for catheters are the options in individual-use packets. Talk to your prescribing healthcare provider about the best catheter lube for UTI prevention.
What are the symptoms of a UTI with a catheter?
UTI symptoms with a catheter can include cloudy or foul-smelling urine, burning or painful sensations in the lower abdomen, and increased urgency or frequency of needing to urinate. If you notice these symptoms, contact your healthcare for diagnosis and quick treatment.
How can I prevent a UTI if I use a catheter?
In addition to following your prescribed cathing schedule, washing your hands, and using single-use catheters sterilely, you have other options. No-touch catheters are designed to keep your hands off the catheter tube and come in a variety of types.
180 Medical’s Catheter Specialists can verify your insurance’s catheter coverage and walk you through your product options. We can send free samples so you can try out what works and feels best for your needs.
What are the best wipes to prevent a UTI?
No one brand or type of disinfecting wipes works for everyone. Some people may prefer a povidone-iodine swab while others like the clear BZK wipes. In general, BZK wipes tend to be a great option for cleaning the area around the urethra or your hands before catheterization. Some catheter kits come with wipes included, but you can also find alcohol based hand gel or wipes to carry separately for use in public restrooms or wherever you need to cath.
Request Free Samples from a Reliable Catheter Company
As one of the top catheter companies in the nation, 180 Medical proudly provides high-quality catheter supplies for our customers. In addition, we offer helpful catheterization instructions and resources, including online step-by-step instructions for how to cath.
We can provide you with advanced catheters that may also help minimize your risk of infection along with instructions on how to cath with hydrophilic catheters and closed system catheters.
Contact our catheter experts at 180 Medical if you’d like to try out some new catheter products that may suit your needs better.
