How To Remove Your Catheter At Home

****Always wash your hands before touching your catheter****

Using a Pair Of Scissors

Your catheter leaves your penis or urethra for a distance, and you will notice that near the place where the catheter attaches to the bag (where urine flows into) there is a valve that goes out to the side, usually at a 45 degree angle.  Usually the valve is a plastic cylinder with writing on it, and it often is colored.  The valve does not connect to the urine bag.  This valve is what keeps the water balloon on the end of the catheter inflated with water.

To remove your catheter, you simply must use scissors to cut the valve off, just behind the valve.  When done, water will come out (not urine).  Do not cut the actual catheter or any area that would allow urine to flow into the bag, only this valve.

Once the valve is cut off and the water comes out, simply pull out the catheter slowly and discard.

Usually you will be asked to remove your catheter yourself at home 8 hours or so prior to your office visit.  The rationale behind this is to allow your bladder to fill and be able to show that you are urinating properly and emptying well at your office visit.  This way, if you are having trouble we are able to assist you quickly and easily in our office, thus avoiding an emergency room visit in the middle of the night.

You will be given at least three days of antibiotics after your catheter removal, and fevers should never be ignored afterwards and should be brought to our attention immediately.