UTIs and Catheters
You likely hear urinary tract infection (UTI) and catheters often mentioned together. If you’re wondering: Can a catheter cause a UTI?
The answer is yes. In fact, UTIs are one of the biggest risks when using a catheter. While catheterization is a must for many people, it allows bacteria to get into the bladder and cause a urinary tract infection (UTI). Even though Catheter-Associated UTIs are one of the most common types of UTIs, there are many things you can do to protect yourself when it comes to catheters and UTIs.
Urinary Tract Infection
First, you should understand what UTIs are and why they happen. UTIs are caused by bacteria from the urethral opening that travels up the urethra and into the bladder. UTIs can affect the bladder, urethra, ureters, or kidneys. The most common symptoms of a UTI are pain or burning when urinating, the need to urinate often, the feeling that you can’t completely empty your bladder, and cramps or pain in your lower back. If left untreated, a UTI can progress to a kidney infection, so it’s important that you let your doctor know as soon as you suspect you have a UTI.
How Can a Catheter Cause a UTI?
The catheterization process involves pushing a tube from your urethral opening into your bladder, so there’s no wonder it increases your risk of contracting a UTI. There are several simple steps you should take to decrease your risk of getting an infection:
- Wash hands before cathing
- Wipe from front to back
- Use each catheter only once
- Fully empty your bladder every time
- Drink plenty of water
If you use catheters and struggle with UTIs, your doctor may prescribe you a Closed System Catheter Kit in which the whole catheter is contained in a sterile bag. You uncover the tip and push it out of the bag as you are inserting it into your urethra. This makes it much harder for you to introduce bacteria into your system.
Trust Your Doctor
If you use catheters, it’s vital that you follow all instructions given to you by your doctor. Your doctor knows you and your medical history best, and they are dedicated to your well-being. If you have concerns about your cathing process or need a new prescription, talk to your doctor before trying to change your order with Strive Medical.
Catheters can get expensive, but with a prescription from your doctor, Medicare Private and commercial insurances will allow more catheters with authorization.' and then continue with the rest of the paragraph will provide up to 200 single-use catheters every month. This gives you plenty of supplies so that you never have to reuse your catheters, even when cathing six or more times a day. Open a new package every time you cath and dispose of it when you finish. This will drastically reduce your risk of getting a UTI.