Catheters are essential medical devices that are used to help drain urine out of a patient’s bladder when it may be difficult, painful, or impossible for the patient to pass urine naturally. There are a lot of medical conditions that can call for the use of a urinary catheter, including the likes of incontinence or a swollen prostate, and it’s key for medical personnel to know how to insert a catheter. In this guide, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for catheter insertion in males.
Who Can Insert a Catheter?
There are many medical professionals who can be trained in catheter insertion and who will be capable of inserting a catheter into a patient. The likes of doctors, nurses, and EMTs, for example, may all be trained in catheter insertion, and it’s important for many members of the medical team to have this skill, as catheter insertion can be a crucial step in patient treatment. It’s even possible for patients to be taught to insert their own catheters at home, if they are living with conditions that require long-term catheter usage.
When Should You Insert a Male Catheter?
As mentioned above, there are many situations in which a urinary catheter can be used in male patients. It can be a useful tool to aid in alleviating some of the symptoms of certain conditions for patients, as well as being used prior to or after certain forms of surgery to allow the patient to pass urine without needing to leave their hospital bed. Here are some of the main instances when urinary catheter should be used:
- To treat patients who have some sort of obstruction or blockage within the urethra that makes it hard or painful for them to urinate
- To help patients who are suffering from issues like incontinence or bladder weakness
- To drain the bladder before or after certain forms of surgery
- To deliver medicine to the bladder to treat certain conditions, like bladder cancer
What to Do Before Inserting a Male Catheter
Before we get to the step-by-step process of actually inserting the catheter into the male patient, it’s important to ensure that you’ve carried out all of the necessary preparation. By preparing the supplies and the patient, the process will be able to go much more smoothly. Here are some key things to do before you begin:
- Prepare the Supplies – Catheter insertion requires not only the catheter itself, but also some additional supplies, such as a syringe, medical wipes, cleaning clothes, gloves, and so on. Ensure that you prepare all the essentials before starting the process.
- ID the Patient – It’s important to ensure that you’re working with the correct patient for catheterization, so nurses and doctors should always verify the identification of their patient before they begin by asking for two pieces of information, like name and date of birth.
- Speak with the Patient – As long as it’s possible to do so, it’s also a good idea to communicate with the patient before the process begins to explain to them what will happen and what the catheterization will involve.
Catheter Insertion in Male Patients (Step by Step)
Next, let’s take a look at exactly how to insert a catheter in a male patient. This guide will provide multiple instructions for the process in a simple step-by-step format, covering the basic process for general catheterization. Remember that the specifics of your situation may be different, so you may have to make some slight alterations based on the patient or the specific kind of catheter you’re working with.
1. Wash Hands
Before you begin interacting with the patient or preparing any of the necessary supplies for the catheter insertion process, it’s important to wash your hands. Use soap and warm water or other cleaning solutions to help get rid of any dirt or germs from your hands. This will help to minimize the risks of infection later on during the procedure.
2. Gather the Supplies
Next, collect all of your urinary catheter supplies. Often, urinary or Foley catheters will come in packaged kits that contain all of the necessary items you need to use during the insertion process, like the catheter tubing itself, a pair of sterile gloves, a urine collection bag, and so on. Gather the various items and place them on a stand near the patient’s bed so that you have easy access.
3. Prepare the Patient
The next step is to prepare the patient. You should verify the patient’s identity and speak with them to explain the process. You should also ask the patient to lie flat on their back in a comfortable position. Ideally, it helps if the patient can bend the knees and spread the legs slightly, but this may not always be possible. You should then pull back the sheet and any coverings to expose the patient’s penis.
4. Prepare the Supplies
Next, you can start preparing the urinary catheter. You’ll need to be sterile during this process, so the first thing to do is put on your sterile medical gloves and try to avoid touching anything that may not be sterile, like the bedsheets, table, and so on. If any contact does occur, you’ll need to change gloves. You should also take this time to verify that the appropriate type and size of catheter for the patient you’re working with, and you can apply a sterile drape below the patient and a second holed drape over the penis. You should also open the packet of Betadine swabs and place them in your tray, as well as opening the packet of lubricant and squirting it out into the tray.
5. Test the Balloon (Optional)
Next, you may wish to test the balloon of your Foley catheter before insertion. To do this, you’ll need to take the saline syringe and connect it to the appropriate part of the catheter tubing. Then, hold the end of the tubing in one hand and gently push the syringe’s plunger with the other. Watch to see if the balloon at the tip of the catheter inflates. This will help you verify that the balloon is working as intended, and you can then draw the saline back out to deflate the balloon. Some kits may recommend testing the balloon, but others won’t. Check the instructions with your kit to verify.
6. Decide on a Clean and Dirty Hand
At this stage of the procedure, you will begin touching the patient’s body and one of your hands will become contaminated or “dirty”. You need to decide which hand you will use to touch the patient (usually the non-dominant hand) and make sure to keep that hand away from the catheter supplies for the rest of the procedure.
7. Clean the Penis
Using your dirty hand, grasp the penis and gently lift it upwards, so that it’s pointing towards the ceiling, if possible. You can then use your clean hand with the Betadine swabs to clean it. Begin by using one swab around the outside of the penis, and the discard it. Then repeat the process with additional swabs, cleaning all around the glans of the penis with each swab.
8. Lubricate and Insert the Catheter
The next step is to actually insert the catheter into the patient’s body. Before you begin, place the tip of the catheter in the lubricant that you poured into the tray earlier. Continue to keep the penis held in your dirty hand as you approach and ask the patient to breathe in and prepare for some mild discomfort. You can then push the catheter slowly and gently in through the urethral opening.
9. Push the Catheter in
Continue to push the catheter slowly into the patient’s body until you see urine flow through the tube. This means that the tip of the catheter has reached the bladder. At this stage, you should push the catheter just slightly further (about 1 inch) into the body and then stop.
10. Inflate the Balloon
Once the catheter is in position, you can use the attached saline syringe to inflate the balloon. The kit should tell you exactly how much saline to inject in order to fill the balloon, which should usually be between 5 and 10ml. The balloon will then inflate, which helps to hold the catheter in place. After that, you can remove the syringe.
11. Clear Away the Items
At this stage, certain items that you used during the insertion may be on or around the bed. You can get rid of them to clear the area, and you can now use both hands to do this, as you should not need to touch the patient’s penis again.
12. Attach the Tubing and Bag
You may then wish to attach the tubing on top of the patient’s leg, as well as making sure that the bag is attached to the bed. Ensure that it is placed onto a solid part of the bed and situated below the level of the patient’s hips to prevent any backflow or discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Inserting a Male Catheter Painful?
It can be an uncomfortable and mildly painful experience for the patient to have a catheter inserted, but this discomfort should subside once the catheter is in place. If pain persists, the catheter may have been inserted incorrectly and it may need to be removed and reinserted.
Can a Male Catheter Be Inserted Incorrectly?
Yes, it is possible for catheters to be inserted incorrectly, and this can lead to risks and complications such as damage and scarring along the urethra or damage to the bladder itself. This can cause pain and discomfort for the patient.
How Far Should You Insert a Male Catheter?
This will depend on the patient, but in general, male catheters should be inserted around seven to nine inches. The simplest way to check for the right distance is to insert the catheter gradually until urine begins to flow through the tube, then push it one final inch and stop.
Can Catheter Insertion Cause Damage or Bleeding?
Yes, there is a possibility of damage and even bleeding due to improper insertion of a catheter. If the catheter is inserted incorrectly, it can damage the urethra or even the bladder, and this may lead to bleeding and scarring.
Should You Use Sterile Gloves When Inserting a Male Catheter?
Yes, it is recommended to use sterile gloves when carrying out any kind of catheterization. This will help to reduce the risk of any microbes being transferred from your hands onto the catheter tube and then inserted into the patient’s body. This is very important, as infection is one of the most common complications associated with catheter insertion.
What Other Supplies Are Necessary When Inserting a Male Catheter?
There are various items and pieces of equipment that you may need when inserting a catheter into a male patient. This includes the catheter itself, a syringe to inflate or deflate the catheter balloon, some sterile gloves, gauze, wash cloths, and a catheter bag.
FAQs
How do you insert a catheter step by step? ›
- Gently insert the catheter into the urethra opening on the penis. Move the catheter in until urine begins to flow out. Then insert it about 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) more.
- Let the urine drain into the container or the toilet.
They can either be inserted through the tube that carries urine out of the bladder (urethral catheter) or through a small opening made in your lower tummy (suprapubic catheter). The catheter usually remains in the bladder, allowing urine to flow through it and into a drainage bag.
Which steps describes urinary catheterization for a male patient? ›The process of urinary catheterisation can be divided into four steps; explanation and consent, preparation, procedure and aftercare.
How do you insert a Foley catheter in a male nurse? ›Holding the catheter loosely, insert it into the urethral opening of a female patient. For a male patient, life his penis to a perpendicular position and lightly apply traction in an upward position using the non-dominant hand. Gently insert the catheter one to two inches past where the patient's urine is located.
What is the procedure of catheter catheterization? ›Cardiac catheterization involves passing a thin flexible tube (catheter) into the right or left side of the heart. The catheter is most often inserted from the groin or the arm. Cardiac catheterization is used to study the various functions of the heart.
What are the procedures in attaching catheter to a male and female patient? ›- Gather Supplies. ...
- Sterilize Your Environment.
- Wash Your Hands.
- Get in a Comfortable Position. ...
- Clean the Area Around the Urethra. ...
- Apply Lubricating Jelly. ...
- Insert the Catheter. ...
- Drain the Urine.
Evidence-based guidelines have always recommended aseptic insertion technique, which is the proper technique.
What is the correct procedure to clean the meatus before a male urinary Catheterisation? ›It is important not to fully retract the foreskin, as it may be difficult to reduce. Clean the top of the meatus, passing over the glans towards the retracted foreskin in one sweeping movement and discard the 'dirty' swab.
How do doctors insert a catheter? ›Most often, the catheter is inserted through the urethra. This is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Sometimes, the provider will insert a catheter into your bladder through a small hole in your lower belly.
Why is male catheterisation more difficult? ›The Penile (Pendulous) Urethra makes up the majority of the urethral length. It can become difficult to traverse with a catheter due to strictures and false passages. Strictures of the penile urethra are most often caused by overly aggressive instrumentation and inflammation.
Can nurses insert Foley catheter? ›
Generally, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers may insert a catheter. In some cases, catheters may be inserted by professional caregivers, home health agencies, and nursing home workers. Nurses are most commonly tasked with inserting and removing catheters.
Is inserting a Foley catheter a sterile procedure? ›When inserting a foley catheter, it is a sterile procedure performed on a sterile field. The risk of breaking this sterile field is introducing contaminants directly into the bladder of your patient.
What is the priority when a nurse is inserting a urinary catheter? ›R: The priority nursing intervention is to ensure that there is not an occlusion in the catheter or drainage tubing.
What is the most widely used method of catheterization? ›Coronary angiogram or angiography: The most common catheterization test looks for the blocked arteries typically associated with heart disease.
What is the most major preventable complication of catheterisation? ›The main risk of using a urinary catheter is that it can sometimes allow bacteria to enter your body. This can cause an infection in the urethra, bladder or, less commonly, in the kidneys. These types of infection are known as urinary tract infections (UTIs).
What is your next step if you meet resistance when inserting the catheter? ›Advance it 2 to 3 inches until urine flow starts. Advance it another 1 to 2 inches to make sure it's in the bladder. If you meet resistance, slightly rotate the catheter or maintain pressure on it until the sphincter relaxes. Holding the catheter in place, inflate the balloon.
Where do you tape a male catheter? ›The area of the thigh is the best site for taping with women. Men to secure the catheter use the site of the thigh or lower abdomen. The lower abdomen site is preferred for long-term use of catheters for men as it reduces the tissue damage to the urethra.
What position should a male patient be in for the procedure to insert an indwelling urethral catheter? ›Ensure patient privacy and have patient in supine position. Place waterproof sheet and/or kidney dish between patient legs. Perform hand hygiene & don gloves. Gently withdraw catheter on exhale if possible, with rotation movements if necessary.
What are the problems with male catheterization? ›The main problems caused by urinary catheters are infections in the urethra, bladder or, less commonly, the kidneys. These types of infection are known as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and usually need to be treated with antibiotics. You can get a UTI from using either a short-term or a long-term catheter.
How often should a male catheter be changed? ›The catheter itself will need to be removed and replaced at least every 3 months. This is usually done by a doctor or nurse, although sometimes it may be possible to teach you or your carer to do it.
Does a catheter go through the prostate? ›
Smaller catheters (12 to 14 Fr) may be required for patients with urethral stricture, whereas patients with prostate enlargement may benefit from larger sizes (20 to 24 Fr) to avoid kinking as the catheter traverses the prostatic urethra.
What is the difference between a catheter and a Foley? ›Indwelling urinary catheters
An indwelling urinary catheter is inserted in the same way as an intermittent catheter, but the catheter is left in place. The catheter is held in the bladder by a water-filled balloon, which prevents it falling out. These types of catheters are often known as Foley catheters.
It is inserted into the bladder through the urethra (the channel you normally urinate through) and is known as urethral catheterisation. Your catheter will not fall out because it is held in place by a small balloon.
How deep do you insert a catheter? ›Grasp the sterile catheter 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) from the tip and keep it from touching anything. Ask the patient to take a deep breath and slowly exhale while you insert the catheter tip. Advance it 2 to 3 inches until urine flow starts. Advance it another 1 to 2 inches to make sure it's in the bladder.
Do you have to be a nurse to put in a catheter? ›Generally, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers may insert a catheter. In some cases, catheters may be inserted by professional caregivers, home health agencies, and nursing home workers. Nurses are most commonly tasked with inserting and removing catheters.
How is a urinary catheterization performed on a female? ›Use a circular motion, beginning at the meatus and working your way outward. Discard or set aside the newly contaminated gauze or cotton balls. Hold the lubricated catheter and gently pass it through the urethra, using your free hand. Urine should flow freely into the collection tubing.
What is the difference between male and female catheter insertion? ›Male length catheters (up to 40cm) - men have a relatively long urethra and therefore need a male length catheter. Female length catheters (up to 20cm) – women have a much shorter urethra and therefore can use the shorter, female length catheters.
Can you put a male catheter in too far? ›Worried about Pushing the Catheter in Too Far
You cannot puncture a hole through the bladder. It is a very strong, tough muscle. The catheter will just coil up inside the bladder if it is pushed in too far.
Pick up the catheter with your sterile dominant hand. Instruct the patient to take a deep breath and exhale or “bear down” as if to void, as you steadily insert the catheter maintaining sterility of the catheter until urine is noted. Once urine is noted, continue inserting the catheter 1”-2”.
Can a catheter be put in wrong? ›Accidental placement of Foley catheter in ureter is a rare phenomenon. It is more common in females with neurogenic bladder who have hypocontractile bladder or there can be iatrogenic placement during surgical procedures.
Do you have to be trained to insert a catheter? ›
You should be taught how to insert the catheter yourself. It's usually inserted into your bladder through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body). The sterile catheter is usually pre-lubricated, to reduce the risk of any discomfort when you insert it.
Can a female nurse catheterize a male patient? ›Custom and tradition decreed that male catheterization was carried out by male nurses and doctors. Myth, misunderstanding and misbelief can perpetuate the notion that it is inappropriate for a female nurse to catheterize a male patient.
Do nurses or doctors put in catheters? ›Urinary catheters are usually inserted by a doctor or nurse. They can either be inserted through the tube that carries urine out of the bladder (urethral catheter) or through a small opening made in your lower tummy (suprapubic catheter).
What position should a male be in for catheterization? ›Steps in male catheterization. Place the patient in the supine position with legs extended and flat on the bed. Prepare the catheterization tray and catheter and drape the patient appropriately using the sterile drapes provided.
What is the difference between a Foley catheter and a straight catheter? ›Unlike Foley catheters, straight catheters do not attach to collection bags, which means that they need to be used in a bathroom or other place where urine may be properly disposed.
Where does pee go when catheter is in? ›An indwelling urinary catheter is one that is left in the bladder. You may use an indwelling catheter for a short time or a long time. An indwelling catheter collects urine by attaching to a drainage bag. The bag has a valve that can be opened to allow urine to flow out.