Design
The catheter is a hollow tube with a hole on each end. A side arm can be seen on the catheter and this allows a small balloon to be filled in the bladder so the catheter does not fall out.

Connection
The catheter needs to be connected to a drainage bag to allow continuous and unimpeded drainage. It is important not to obstruct the flow of urine, unless you are specifically asked to do so.

Drainage bags
These are the plastic bags to which the catheter is connected. The bags vary in design but all have a connection adapter for the catheter and a drainage port or spigot at the bottom to empty the bag. Some bags have long tubes so they can be attached to the bed or carried. Other bags have no tubing and must be attached to one's leg with straps.

Care
The major cause of irritation is at the tip of the penis. You should wash this area with a mild soap and water at least twice a day. In most cases, you will have less irritation of the tip of the penis if the catheter is secured to your leg with a gentle curve. Tape is the best and least expensive way of securing the catheter. Movement or tugging on the catheter will then pull on the tape, not on the penis.

Cleaning the drainage bags
Rinse bags with warm water and soap every day or two, depending on how dirty and how much odor is present. One teaspoon of vinegar may be used in the rinse water to reduce the odor.

Emptying bags
Hold any bag over the toilet or suitable container and open the spigot at the bottom of the bag. Let urine flow until empty and then close the spigot.

Problems
The more urine that flows, the less the chance for a blockage. You should be drinking four to eight ounces of water every hour while awake.

Bleeding
Bleeding can be seen on occasion with any catheter. Small amounts of blood or clots are usually of little concern. You can wrap a gauze bandage around the tip to stop the bleeding. Dried blood on the tip of the penis can be irritating, so it should be cleaned with mild soap and water. Bleeding sufficient enough to make it impossible to see through the urine should be brought to our attention.

Blockage
Urine should drain constantly into the bags. If you see no flow for more than an hour and feel the need to urinate, a blockage of the tube may be present. Debris or blood clots are the most common causes and will need to be dealt with in our office during business hours, or the emergency room. The catheter will either be irrigated until it is clear or it will be changed.

Showering
Showering is allowed with a catheter. Simply take your shower and allow the catheter and bag to get wet. Pat gently with a towel to dry.

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