Foley Catheter Care

Your catheter was inserted to allow for proper drainage of your bladder. The catheter may only remain in place until your condition is improved.  If your condition requires a long-term catheter, it will be changed approximately once per month.

Since the catheter is a hollow tube, it can be a pathway for bacteria to enter your bladder and cause infection. By following some basic instructions you will be able to care for your catheter safely and easily.

Daily Care of Catheter

• Wash the groin area daily with soap and water.
• Showering is permitted.

Use of Leg Bag and Beside Bag
The leg bag can be used during the daytime to allow for drainage and freedom of movement during the day. The bedside bag can be used at night to allow for free flow (gravity drainage) from the bladder while lying down without having to rise frequently to empty. If urine is not allowed to drain properly it can cause backflow into the kidney causing pressure, infection, and possible damage.

To switch from one bag to another:

• Wash hands with soap and water.
• Have new bag within reach
• Disconnect current bag – set aside – be careful not to touch open end of catheter.
• Carefully connect new bag – Do not touch the part that will connect with the catheter.
• Rinse old bag with warm, soapy water and hang to dry. You may add 2 tablespoons of chlorine bleach per quart of water to minimize odor.
• Discard leg bags and bedside bags after two weeks of use.

Problems You May Experience That Require Immediate Attention: 

• Catheter blockage – Urine will not pass.
• Infection – Cloudy or foul smelling urine, presence of fever greater than 101oF and/or chills, pus-like drainage around catheter.
• Bleeding – Bright red blood in Foley bag.
• Catheter falls out – Do not try to reinsert.