Do you have a Foley Catheter? Let's talk about this simply!

Sometimes, after surgery or due to an illness, you may have difficulty urinating properly. Even though your bladder is full, you may not be able to urinate properly. This is when your doctor may decide to insert a Foley catheter. It's normal to feel a little scared and uncomfortable when you see this inserted into your body. But once you know exactly what it is, how it works, and how to live normally with it, your fear will go away. So, let's talk about everything in simple terms today.

Simply put, what is a Foley Catheter?

A Foley catheter is a simple device that collects urine (also called urine ) from your bladder into a bag outside your body when you are unable to urinate on your own. It is also called an ``indwelling urinary catheter''.

It is made of a very flexible, thin rubber or plastic tube. This tube is inserted into your urethra and into your bladder. Inside this tube are two separate passages.

1. The first path: This is where the urine that collects in the bladder flows down the tube and into the external bag.

2. Second route: This is connected to a small balloon at the end of the tube inside the bladder. The doctor or nurse inflates the balloon by passing a small amount of sterile water through this route. The catheter is then held firmly in place inside the bladder, without moving or coming out.

When you are awake, this catheter is usually attached to a small bag that can be strapped to your leg. When you sleep at night, you can use a slightly larger bag. It can be hung on a hook by your bed or placed on a flat surface on the floor.

These are very safe and come in a variety of sizes to suit anyone of any age and body size.

Why do we need a Foley catheter?

The main reason doctors use this catheter is because you are unable to urinate on your own. There can be various reasons for this.

• Urinary Incontinence: When you lose urine without control.
• Urinary Retention: When urine cannot be completely expelled, even though the bladder is full.
• Prostate Enlargement: An enlarged prostate gland, especially in older men, can cause urinary obstruction.
• Surgery: After surgery on the prostate or genital area.
• Spinal anesthesia (Epidural):Sometimes, this anesthesia, such as during childbirth, can cause temporary loss of bladder control.
• Scarring of the urinary tract: Thinning of the urinary tract due to an infection or injury.

In addition to these main reasons, the Foley catheter is used in several other situations.

• Keep your bladder empty during surgery.
• Accurately measure the amount of urine output of a person receiving treatment in a hospital.
• Control bleeding caused by an accident or surgery.
• Give some medications directly into the bladder.

How do I insert this into my body? Does it hurt?

This is actually something a doctor or trained nurse will do. First, your genital area will be thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic to prevent infection. Then, a numbing gel and lubricant will be applied to the area to minimize any discomfort and pain you may feel.

After a while, when the area is numb, the catheter is very carefully passed through the urethra into the bladder. As soon as the catheter enters the bladder, you will feel urine flowing through the tube into the bag. Then, as I mentioned earlier, the balloon at the end of the tube is inflated with sterile water and locked inside.

Finally, to prevent the catheter tube from pulling and causing you discomfort, straps are used to secure the tube and bag to your leg.

Sometimes, if you need to use a catheter for a long time, the medical staff will teach you how to insert it yourself (self-catheterization).

How exactly do you take care of the catheter and urine bag?

This is the most important part. There is a high risk of infection when using a catheter. Therefore, you need to take utmost care of cleanliness.

• Hand washing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling the catheter or bag. This is the best way to prevent the spread of germs.
• Cleaning the tube: At least twice a day, clean the catheter tube (the part that is outside the body) using soapy water and a damp cloth or paper towel. Then gently pat it dry.

How to empty the urine bag

You should empty your urine bag at least every two to three hours. If you use a large bag at night, you should empty it every 8 hours.

How to change the urine bag

Usually, if you need to switch bags, follow these steps.

1. First, wash your hands thoroughly.

2. Completely empty the urine from the old bag.

3. Clean the area where the catheter tube and bag connect with soapy water.

4. Just above the connection point, pinch and hold the catheter tube with your fingers.

5. Carefully remove the old bag.

6. Connect the new bag and release the trapped tube.

How long should I use this?

It really depends on your condition. You may only need to use it until you recover from surgery. You can remove it after you're healed. But if you have a condition that prevents you from urinating naturally, you may need to use it for weeks or even months.

Very rarely, some people may need to use a Foley catheter for the rest of their lives. In such cases, your doctor will teach you how to live with it so that you can continue to live a normal life, such as going to work, bathing, swimming, traveling, and even having sex.

The Foley catheter usually needs to be replaced at least every three months .

What are the risks that this could pose?

The main risk of using a Foley catheter is developing a urinary tract infection (UTI). The longer you use the catheter, the greater the chance of developing an infection.

In addition, the following complications may occur:

• Inflammation or cramping pain in the bladder area (bladder spasm).
• Damage to the urinary tract.
• Urine leakage from around the catheter.
• Bleeding.

If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

If you have any questions or concerns about your catheter, don't hesitate to contact your doctor. Seek medical advice immediately, especially if you have any of the symptoms below.

Finally, if you have difficulty urinating, a Foley catheter is a very important device that helps you empty your bladder. Carrying your urine in a bag outside your body can feel a little strange and uncomfortable. You may even miss some of your normal activities for fear that it will leak or come loose. This is all normal. Talk openly with your doctor about any concerns or fears you have. They can explain this to you in more detail and put your mind at ease. You should get used to it over time. A Foley catheter is not something that should stop your life.