Intermittent or Indwelling Catheter: How Does Daily Care Differ?
Bladder & Pelvic FloorArticleCompare the drainage schedule, equipment and teaching plan.
In this article
Before leaving with catheter supplies, ask the nurse to name the type you will use. Put that name beside the instructions and the number to call for help.
Compare what you will manage
| Daily-care question | Intermittent catheter | Indwelling catheter |
|---|---|---|
| When is it removed? | After the bladder has drained.1 | It stays in place until a planned change or removal.1 |
| What equipment is involved? | A new catheter for each use, with drainage into a toilet or bag.1 | A catheter with a retaining balloon and a drainage bag or valve.1 |
| What teaching do I need? | How to insert and remove it, and the prescribed schedule.1 | How to care for the equipment and empty the bag or use the valve.2 |
A suprapubic catheter is another indwelling option. It enters the bladder through an opening in the abdomen instead of the urethra.1
Leave with a help plan
Ask who supplies replacements, who performs any planned changes and what to do if your usual routine becomes difficult. Request a demonstration and an opportunity to ask questions before going home.
Get medical advice for suspected blockage, leakage around the catheter, persistent blood or large clots, severe or persistent spasms, or symptoms such as fever and chills.2
Laugh, Sneeze, Jump includes an appointment prep sheet. Use it to organize your equipment questions and the follow-up arrangements you receive. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- NHSTypes of urinary catheters (opens in a new tab)abcdefg
- NHS informUrinary catheterisation (opens in a new tab)ab
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