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A urethral catheter is a thin, flexible tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine. The urine flows through the catheter into a collection bag or container. Urethral catheters can be used for short-term drainage, longer indwelling drainage, or intermittent catheterization. They should be inserted and managed using clean or sterile technique based on the clinical situation.
read more about urethral catheter ...A urethral catheter is used when the bladder needs to be emptied and a person cannot urinate normally or safely. Common reasons include urinary retention, surgery, close urine output monitoring, certain wounds, or selected medical conditions. It can also be used during some procedures or tests involving the urinary tract. Catheters should be used only when needed because longer use raises infection risk.
An indwelling urethral catheter stays in the bladder and is often held in place by a small balloon. A Foley catheter is a common type of indwelling catheter. An intermittent catheter is inserted to drain the bladder and then removed. Catheters also vary by size, tip shape, material, coating, and number of channels.
A clinician, trained caregiver, or trained patient inserts the lubricated catheter through the urethra into the bladder. For an indwelling catheter, the balloon is inflated after urine begins to drain, and the tube is connected to a drainage bag. The bag should stay below bladder level so urine can drain properly. The catheter and drainage system should be kept clean, secure, and free of kinks.
Possible risks include urinary tract infection, urethral irritation, bladder spasms, leakage, blockage, bleeding, or injury during insertion. Daily care includes hand hygiene, keeping the drainage bag below the bladder, avoiding pulling, and emptying the bag as instructed. Fever, chills, lower abdominal pain, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, no urine drainage, or new blood in the urine should be reported. Catheters should be removed as soon as they are no longer needed.
A Foley catheter is one type of urethral catheter. It has a balloon that helps keep the catheter inside the bladder.
It can cause pressure or discomfort, but severe pain is not expected. Lubricant and proper technique help reduce discomfort.
Yes. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection is a known risk, especially when a catheter stays in place longer. Proper care and timely removal help lower risk.
Check that the tubing is not kinked and the bag is below bladder level. If urine still does not drain, contact a healthcare professional promptly.
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Foley Catheter: Purpose, Insertion & Care. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/foley-catheter. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) Basics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/uti/about/cauti-basics.html. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
Summary of Recommendations: Guideline for Prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/cauti/summary-of-recommendations.html. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
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