Self-catheterization is performed by many patients who have some form of impaired or absent bladder function. The two major advantages of self-catheterization are that the patient maintains independence and regains bladder control. Self-catheterization also allows normal sexual intimacy without the fear of incontinence, decreases the chance of urinary reflux, reduces the use of aids and appliances and, in many cases, allows the patient to return to work.

Self-catheterization requires thorough and careful teaching by the nurse. At home, the patient will use clean technique for self-catheterization.¹,² In the health care facility, the nurse and patient can use either clean or sterile technique.² Studies have shown that clean intermittent catheterization doesn’t increase the risk for urinary tract infections.²