Passing urine and stool 103
How to put in a catheter
1. Boil the catheter
(and any syringe
or tool you may
be using) for
20 minutes. Or
at least wash
them well in
water that has been boiled
and cooled, and keep them
clean.
2. Carefully wash the
skin around the
genitals with mild
soap and clean
water. Take care to clean the area where
urine comes out and the folds of skin
around it (the vulva). If you do not
have mild soap, use only clean water.
Strong soap can harm your skin.
3. Wash your hands.
After washing,
touch only
things that are
very clean.
4. If you can, sit
where your
genitals are
not touching
anything, like the front of a chair, or
on a clean toilet seat. If you have to
sit on the ground or another solid
surface, put clean cloths under and
around the genitals.
5. If you have
to touch
anything, wash
your hands
again with
mild soap
and water.
6. Cover the catheter with a
sterile, water-based
lubricant (not oil or
petroleum jelly).
This helps protect
the soft skin of the
genitals and urine tube (urethra). If
you do not have any lubricant, make
sure the catheter is still wet from the
water you boiled it in or cleaned it
with, and be extra gentle when you
put it in.
(continued on next page)
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007