Note to readers: According to research from AgeUK, the word “pee” is generally preferred, so we’ve used it consistently throughout this page.
Intermittent self-catheterisation (also known as self-catheterisation or ISC) is a method of draining pee out of the bladder. Self-catheterisation works by allowing pee to flow out of the bladder through a catheter that is temporarily inserted through the urethra. Intermittent self-catheters are mainly designed for single use, meaning a new one is used each time you need to empty your bladder.
Self-catheterisation is commonly recommended for people who cannot fully empty their bladder, including those with urinary retention in conditions like Fowler’s Syndrome, neurological conditions, post-surgery or in some types of urinary incontinence.
An indwelling catheter (also known as a Foley catheter) is designed to stay in the bladder continuously*. An indwelling catheter is held in place with an inflated balloon and is connected to a catheter bag or catheter valve. Intermittent self-catheters on the other hand are temporary, they are used when needed and removed.
Patients who self-catheterise have a lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and can manage their condition independently, making it an attractive option versus an indwelling catheter.
*An indwelling catheter will be changed following the manufacturer’s instructions. How long it stays in place can vary from person to person.
So an indwelling catheter, also known as a Foley catheter, is designed to stay in place for longer and this can be inserted through the urethra or the abdominal wall.
These are held in place with a balloon which I’ll show you, and we blow this up with some sterile water and that can stay in for a number of weeks.
So this is an intermittent self catheter, also known as an ISC. This is something that the patient would manage themselves and would be used to drain the bladder however many times a day is appropriate determining on the condition that you have.
Intermittent catheters come in a range of designs to suit different preferences, lifestyles and levels of dexterity. Two of the most common types are hydrophilic catheters and gel catheters.
Hydrophilic catheters have a special surface that becomes slippery when activated by water. Some are ready to use straight from the packet, while others come with a small burstable water sachet inside the packaging to activate the coating.
Gel catheters, on the other hand, are pre-lubricated catheters with gel, making them smooth and ready to insert without any extra preparation. Gel catheters are compact and discreet making them ideal for travelling.
A question I’m often asked is what are the different types of catheters?
With intermittent self catheters there are two different options available. One is a water-based catheter which we refer to as hydrophilic and these may have a water sachet within the packet that needs to be burst to activate the coating or they may already be pre lubricated ready to use.
Then the other option is a gel catheter and these are pre lubricated and the gel option may make it smoother and reduce friction when inserting the catheter.
So when you have your appointment with your healthcare professional, it’s important that you’re offered a choice in order that you find a catheter that’s comfortable for you and this will help you keep up with your regime of catheterising.
Choosing the right catheter length and size helps keep you comfortable and safe. It also helps the catheter work properly.
The catheter should be slightly longer than your urethra (the urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body). In men, it is usually about 15 to 20 centimetres long. In women, it is usually about 3 to 4 centimetres long.
Catheters use a sizing system called CH, which is also known as Charrière or French gauge. This system can feel confusing at first. Intermittent self‑catheters are available in a range of sizes, usually from CH 08 to CH 16. CH sizing is based on diameter. One CH equals 0.33 millimetres..
Choosing the right diameter is important. If the catheter is the wrong size, insertion can feel difficult or uncomfortable. A smaller size is often used to help reduce the risk of damage to the urethra.
Catheters also come with different tip designs. One option is the Tiemann tip, also called a coudé tip. This has a soft, curved shape. It can make insertion easier for some men, including those with an enlarged prostate.
If you are unsure which catheter to choose, a healthcare professional can help. They can advise you on the right length, size, and tip for your needs.
Catheters are usually designed in a compact way to be carried around discreetly without drawing any attention.
The user-friendly, self-managed aspects of ISC allow people to manage independently.
Intermittent self-catheterisation carries a lower risk of infections like Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) versus an indwelling catheter.
With most catheters being pre-lubricated in some way, insertion and removal is low-friction, minimising discomfort.
Request a free sample so you can test and compare to find what works for you.
Self-catheterising soon becomes part of your normal routine. A few simple habits can help make it easier and more comfortable day to day:
Create a schedule – Make self-catheterising a regular practice at intervals recommended by your healthcare professional. You can use reminders and alarms to maintain your schedule.
Be prepared – When leaving the house, take catheters and the supplies you need to self-catheterise so you are fully prepared wherever you are.
Plan for travel – If you’re leaving the country, print off our travel certificate eliminating the need for you to try and explain your condition.
Stay hydrated and healthy – Drinking enough fluids helps flush the bladder, reducing the risk of infection and blockages.
Experience smooth, low-friction catheterisation with ComfortCoat® hydrophilic coating that ensures lasting lubrication from insertion to removal.
Curan Gel intermittent catheters have a compact design and protective casing make them the ideal travel companion. Their hydrogel coating ensures smooth and comfortable insertion and removal.
Self-catheterisation is a safe and effective method of draining pee from the bladder
ISC are used when you have urinary retention (being unable to pee), some types of urinary incontinence and neurological conditions
Indwelling catheters (Foley catheters) stay in your bladder on a longer term basis, whereas intermittent self-catheters are inserted when needed and then removed
The two main types of intermittent self-catheters are hydrophilic and gel catheters
When choosing the right catheter length, you will need to use the ‘CH’ sizing metric (also known as Charrière or French Gauge)
Self-catheterisation is discreet, comfortable, carries a lower risk of infection and can be managed independently at home
To make self-catheterising easier, set a schedule, be prepared and stay hydrated and healthy
At CliniMed, we offer a hydrophilic self-catheter and a gel self-catheter
Self-catheterisation shouldn’t be painful. You may experience a bit of discomfort when you start catheterising but this will become more comfortable with practice. Using the right technique to self-catheterise and a correctly sized catheter help to make the process pain-free.
Yes. Self-catheterisation is perfectly safe if you make sure you follow hygiene guidance when self-catheterising and use the correct method. We’ve put together some guidance on how to self-catheterise safely if you want to know more.
Self-catheterisation is used to drain pee from the bladder when you’re unable to. The catheter is inserted into the urethra and once it reaches the bladder, pee will drain out through the catheter.
When you meet your healthcare professional for the first time, they will discuss all the catheter options available to you. What you should use will depend on your lifestyle, your reason for catheterising, your mobility, dexterity and other factors.
Follow the schedule your healthcare professional recommends, this is different for everyone, depending on individual needs.
Don’t force it. Take a moment, try to relax, and try again. If you still struggle, view our guide on how to self-catheterise or contact your healthcare team.
A small trace can happen occasionally, but if it continues or is heavy, seek medical advice.
Yes, you can have sex with an intermittent self catheter. One tip suggested by Louise Harrison, our Community Nurse Specialist, is to empty your bladder before you have sex.
If you have pain, fever, ongoing blood in your urine, difficulty passing the catheter, or signs of infection, get medical support.
Learn how to self-catheterise safely and comfortably with this step-by step guide.
Written with dietitian Ruth Kander, this guide offers advice on what to include and avoid in your diet to support bladder health, reduce irritation, and manage incontinence.
This guide created by healthcare specialists, offers practical tips, a daily fluid intake tracker, and a sample menu to help you stay on top of your hydration needs.
This guide contains advice on living with a catheter, including helpful tips, solutions to common challenges and how to gain confidence.
