How to Unblock a Catheter
See if the catheter's in your urethra and not your vagina (women).. Determine if the catheter has 10 cm (3.9 in) visible if you're male.. Wait for 2 to 3 minutes after inserting the catheter for the gel to dissolve.
Steps
See if the catheter's in your urethra and not your vagina (women).
See if the catheter's in your urethra and not your vagina (women).
Determine if the catheter has 10 cm (3.9 in) visible if you're male.
Determine if the catheter has 10 cm (3.9 in) visible if you're male.
Wait for 2 to 3 minutes after inserting the catheter for the gel to dissolve.
Wait for 2 to 3 minutes after inserting the catheter for the gel to dissolve.
Cough to start the flow of urine.
Cough to start the flow of urine.
Check for kinks in the catheter or drainage bag tubing.
Check for kinks in the catheter or drainage bag tubing.
Raise and then lower the drainage bag below the level of your bladder.
Raise and then lower the drainage bag below the level of your bladder.
Disconnect the tubing from the catheter as a last attempt.
Disconnect the tubing from the catheter as a last attempt.
Watch for signs of a problem and seek immediate medical assistance.
Watch for signs of a problem and seek immediate medical assistance.
Get the catheter flushed
Get the catheter flushed
Ask about an all-silicone catheter if the tubing is blocked by debris.
Ask about an all-silicone catheter if the tubing is blocked by debris.
Get a new catheter inserted every 4 to 6 weeks or change it yourself.
Get a new catheter inserted every 4 to 6 weeks or change it yourself.
Leave 5–10 mL (0.17–0.34 fl oz) of urine in the bag to prevent a vacuum.
Leave 5–10 mL (0.17–0.34 fl oz) of urine in the bag to prevent a vacuum.
Empty the bag
Empty the bag
Wash your hands before and after handling the catheter equipment.
Wash your hands before and after handling the catheter equipment.
Wash the area around the catheter twice daily to maintain good hygiene.
Wash the area around the catheter twice daily to maintain good hygiene.
Drink enough liquids
Drink enough liquids
Follow a healthy, high-fiber diet to avoid constipation.
Follow a healthy, high-fiber diet to avoid constipation.
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