Other Issues:Ĭramping pains can happen as a result of the catheter irritating the bladder or as a result of pressure on the bladder from constipation. Go to your local emergency department immediately to resolve the blockage. Urine leakage around the catheter could also indicate that your catheter is blocked (see above). Check for and remove any kinks in the catheter or the drainage bag tubing. Drink two glasses of water immediately and if there is no urine drainage after 30 minutes, contact your nurse or go to the ER.Īlso called “bypassing,” this indicates that urine is unable to drain via the catheter it will leak around the outside of the catheter instead.
If your bladder is full and you are uncomfortable, you will need to visit the ER for immediate assistance. If you cannot get urine to drain, remove your catheter slowly and gently, and seek advice from your doctor or nurse. There should be about 10cm (4 inches) of catheter visible. If you have a penis, make sure that you have inserted the catheter fully into your bladder via your urethra. Do not reuse a catheter that has been in the vagina to reduce risk of transferring germs from the vagina into the bladder. If you have, remove the catheter and try again using a new/clean catheter. If you have a vagina, make sure that you have not inserted the catheter into your vagina by mistake.
Coughing can sometimes help to start the flow of urine. Most catheter lubricants are water-based and will dissolve in urine however, this may take up to two minutes. This may happen if lubricating gel has blocked the drainage eyelets on the catheter. However, if your bladder is full and you are uncomfortable, you will need to visit your nearest emergency department for immediate assistance. Remove the catheter and try again in a little while. If the catheter is not sliding in as it should, do not force it. External Catheter Troubleshooting: Sizing Importance.
Male External Catheters and Skin Health.Male External Catheter Troubleshooting Guide.Urine is not draining into the leg bag or urine collection deviceįor more external catheter troubleshooting, try the following articles:.Material or adhesive causing irritation.Sizing issues causing leakage and/or skin irritation.Leakage or skin irritation (may have more than one cause):.Fortunately, there are straightforward solutions available. No matter what kind of external catheter you use, the following issues may be common. External Catheter Issues:Īlthough there are some external catheters available for women, the majority of external catheters (condom catheters) available at this time are designed for men. Contact your doctor or nurse if the problem recurs or is not easily resolved. This article is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional.
Click on the links below for more detailed information about troubleshooting issues with external, intermittent, or indwelling (Foley) catheters. Whether you are new to catheterizing or you are experienced with catheter usage, you may experience some common problems from time to time.