I have been catheterising for about 3/4 years initially using the Coloplast Speedicath Compact catheters and following the procedures as instructed. I did however begin to find it more difficult to accurately aim and insert catheter, and as a result was experiencing UTIs. Changing to the Coloplast Speedicath flex set no touch catheter solved insertion problem urologist also prescribed Hiprex tablets (methenamine hippurate) to treat infections in the urinary tract and prevent them reoccuring. All has been well for a year or so but recently had a UTI which needed three courses of antibiotics to clear. I am careful when cathing and did ask the urology nurse about cleaning the glans prior to insertion, with antiseptic/bacterial preparations but she said water would be ok. I want to know if using an antiseptic/bacterial preparation would help in reducing the risks of an infection further together with the Hiprex and what advice have others got regarding preventing infections when cathing
I have been self cathing for over 9 years with only 1 UTI. It was also asymptomatic so I didn’t even need antibiotics. I either wash the tip of the penis with water and soap, or with an alcohol pad. After going through many different catheters, I am now happy with the Coloplast Coude Pro Flex, which is probably the same or very close to the ones you are using.
I am amazed that you have only experienced 1 UTI over the years that you have been self cathing. Perhaps I need to review my procedure. At the moment I wipe the area and tap handles where I am going to work with anti bacterial wipes. Then I wash hands using anti bacterial hand wash, after which I wipe glans with cotton pad and water alone. Then before handling catheter and penis again I use the hand gel supplied by Coloplast before starting catheterising. Did you have any problems using the alcohol pads? I think I will try adding soap with the water to begin with. Thanks for reply any tips are always useful
Coloplast Coude Pro Flex has a sleeve so I don’t touch the catheter tip at all. Therefore, I usually don’t even wash my hands, unless they are visibly dirty. I don’t usually clean the working surface either. I always make sure that the catheter tip does not touch anything before the insertion. Hank
I don’t have problems using alcohol pads. Some people get irritated by it. The alternative is povidone iodine solution. I used it before with good success.
Thanks for your comments your catheterising makes your routine much quicker than mine. I make sure tip of catheter does not touch anything before insertion, but despite my routine, have recently recovered from a UTI Do you just clean around penis tip/opening or, as I have been doing the whole glans? Will be using soap and water in my routine as well now.
I usually only clean around the tip on the outside. Occasionally I also clean the inside of the tip, usually if I recently had a bowel movement. I consider this as the highest risk of contamination due the the possible splashing of the toilet water.
Hi thanks for reply , I shall just clean around tip of penis rather than whole glans as again that might also encourage contamination. Your point about contamination from water in the toilet may have a bearing on my latest UTI as the urine test showed that the infection was from the E Coli bug, and this may well have originated from toilet possibly, it is something to bear in mind in the future. I had to take a urine sample to be tested as it is 2 weeks since I have finished the 3week course of antibiotics. I feel ok been cathing as normal just hope test comes back clear. I will certainly put into practise some of the things you have mentioned and see how I get on particularly as you have not had the UTI problems I experienced. I have had no problems using the Coloplast Speedicath Flex Set and like that it comes with urine collection bag and is very compact. I have found Coloplast here in the UK to be very helpful ordering and delivery has been excellent . Many thanks for your information it has helped me to rethink a few things. Badger (that’s the nickname the kids called me when I worked at the school)
because I had a grey streak in my hair like the animal.