If you find it difficult to hold your urine, you may suffer from urinary incontinence. Even though this occurs more frequently in older people, especially men, it can affect anyone at any age. Currently, an estimated 25 million people in America suffer from incontinence. While the inability to retain urine may leave you feeling embarrassed, there are ways to help you control it. One of the most beneficial ways is to learn how to do a self-catheterization.

What is a Catheter?

A catheter is simply a narrow tube inserted into your bladder used to drain excess urine. When you use a catheter, urine will drain from the tube into a special container that’s held in place with a strap.

Get Medical Advice Beforehand

Before even attempting this though, make sure your doctor teaches you how to insert a catheter properly. After you do it a couple of times, it’ll become easier and you’ll be able to insert the device within seconds. Ask your doctor how often you should drain your bladder with a catheter. Most people will feel a need to urinate about every three to six hours which is about five to seven times a day. Always make sure to empty your bladder as soon as you wake up and right before you go to sleep. This will help lower the number of times you have to urinate throughout the day.

Stay Hydrated – But Avoid Drinking Too Much

Although you need to drink fluids to stay healthy and hydrated, you also want to limit your fluid intake to specific times of the day so you urinate less often. Try not to drink any liquids four hours before going to sleep. For example, if you normally go to sleep at 10 p.m., don’t drink a full glass of liquid after 6 p.m. You can consume small amounts of liquids if you become thirsty, but try not to drink a full glass in one sitting.

Depending on your age and other factors, you can ask family members or a nurse/medical professional for help. You doctor may give you a prescription to make sure you purchase the right kind of catheter because there are many different types and sizes.

Purchasing Catheters

Some catheters and their accessories can be fairly expensive but the good news is you can purchase self-catheterization devices at medical supply stores to save money. Along with catheters, you will want to purchase lubricants such as KY Jelly and towelettes at a medical supply store. One note about the lubricants though: Do not use petroleum jelly because it’ll cause unnecessary problems and possibly pain.

Even though incontinence can be an embarrassing issue, you don’t have to let it overtake your life. If you are willing to learn how to do self-catheterization, you can find quick and easy relief from UI. Just make sure you meet with your doctor and get professional advice on the types of catheters you should use and proper methods for inserting them. Also learn how to keep them clean and sterile. Also, try to stay aware of your body’s signals and avoid letting your bladder become too full. This will help you avoid the risk of infection, and keep your chances of accidents lower.

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About the author: Jillian Johnson is a professional content marketing writer and blogger with a particular interest in writing about health and fitness. To read more writing by Jillian, follow her @MissWritey.