Long-term catheterization is considered when other methods are not effective or practical, as long-term use can result in bacteriuria, UTI, blockage and bypassing (leakage around the catheter). In particular, the two main indications for long-term indwelling catheters are urinary retention and urinary incontinence.

Once the catheter is removed, most men leak urine for a period of time. The leakage occurs mainly due to stress incontinence – failure of the urethral sphincter to close properly (Ficazzola 1998).

Catheters can also sometimes lead to other problems, such as bladder spasms (similar to stomach cramps), leakages, blockages, and damage to the urethra.

There are several side effects that you may have if you have a urinary catheter. They are bladder spasms, blood in your urine, and infections. Bladder spasms. Sometimes, men have bladder spasms while the catheter is in their penis.

Urinary problems For 2 days after your catheter is removed, your bladder and urethra will be weak. Don’t push or put effort into urinating. Let your urine pass on its own. Don’t strain to have a bowel movement.

If you do have to force yourself, here are 10 strategies that may work:

1. Run the water. Turn on the faucet in your sink.
2. Rinse your perineum.
3. Hold your hands in warm or cold water.
4. Go for a walk.
5. Sniff peppermint oil.
6. Bend forward.
7. Try the Valsalva maneuver.
8. Try the subrapubic tap.

Instructions and Helpful Tips to know after removal: Empty the Foley bag and record how much urine is present – this is your Foley urine output. Keep track of how much you urinate after the Foley is removed – this is your voided output. Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day.

Deflate the balloon and take the catheter out. Massage the abdomen vigorously, moving from right to left. This will help to move the stool along and out. A bowel movement should occur within a few minutes.

Leakage around the catheter, or by-passing, is usually caused by a catheter blockage or bladder spasms. Other causes include infection, catheter encrustation, and loss of elasticity of the female urethra. Catheter leakage is common affecting many people with indwelling catheters.

Encouraging those with urinary incontinence to drink more water might sound counterproductive, but it can actually help them. Some people are tempted to drink less water and other liquids in general in order to reduce the need to urinate frequently.

If you don’t empty your bladder often enough, or go a couple of days without emptying it all the way, it can result in a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you hold your pee as a matter of habit, your bladder can start to atrophy. Over time, you may develop incontinence.