Patients with bladder problems, such as incontinence or urethral blockages, often need catheters placed while in healthcare facilities, clinics, or even at home. This useful tool is a lifesaver for those having trouble or pain emptying their bladder.
However, many patients feel anxious during catheter insertion. Some men report pain or discomfort during the insertion procedure. This detailed guide covers everything about the catheter for a male.
For A Man, How Uncomfortable is a Catheter?
Placing a catheter for a male shouldn’t cause any pain. Even though it won’t be easy at first, you shouldn’t experience any major discomfort, resistance, or bleeding. Do not force the catheter insertion if you experience any pain that makes it difficult or impossible. You should contact the prescribing doctor by phone to explain the problem with insertion.
If you’re having trouble getting the catheter through certain body parts, like an enlarged prostate or narrow urethra, a curved or bent catheter, known as a coudé catheter, could be the solution. This type of catheter may help navigate the tricky anatomy more easily.
Nonetheless, consult your physician. They can take stock of the situation and suggest a different action.
Can Male Catheter Insertion Hurt?
Men may experience pain during the insertion of a catheter for a male. Many patients say insertion is the most painful part of the procedure, and this may be the highest-risk moment for pain and discomfort. Some patients experience stinging or burning at insertion and a strong desire to urinate. Most patients experience mild pain that subsides quickly but is uncomfortable.
Solubility and proper technique are important because a forceful or incorrect catheter insertion can damage the urethra and cause bleeding, making pain worse. A blockage or obstruction in the urethra can increase pain as the catheter must pass around it and connect with the urethral walls.
How to Minimize Catheter Pain: 5 Essential Pointers
A catheter for a male insertion need not be painful. Let’s discuss what might be causing catheter pain and what you can do if it persists.
1. Use polished catheter eyelets
Eyelets on a catheter—what are they? You’ll find tiny holes called catheter drainage eyelets near the urinary catheter’s insertion tip. These openings allow urine to flow into the catheter. The liquid then exits the funnel and flows into a designated container, such as a urinal, toilet, or collection bag.
When making their catheter eyelets, some companies use a technique analogous to punching a hole in a piece of paper. Catheterization can be painful if it causes rough edges, leading to friction and discomfort in the urethra.
2. Use lubricated uncoated catheters
Lubricating straight intermittent catheters by hand is essential before each use. Catheter lubricating jelly can lessen friction and pain when inserting or withdrawing a catheter. This may alleviate some of the discomfort associated with catheters. The structure and tastes of each person are unique. Regarding in-and-out cathing, some people don’t require much lubrication, while others might need more.
You can find various high-quality lubricating jelly brands, including kosher and bacteriostatic options, from the leading provider of intermittent catheters and related urological products. They can provide catheter lube in various forms, including tubes and individually dosed packets.
3. It would help if you used a coudé tip catheter
For certain individuals, why are coudé catheters essential? Curved insertion tips are reserved for situations where straight-tip catheters are ineffective. In most cases, this is because a straight catheter has trouble passing through and around obstacles on its way to the bladder, such as an enlarged prostate or urethral strictures.
Please consult your urologist without delay if you experience difficulty inserting your catheter completely; they will be able to provide you with a proper diagnosis. Causing yourself or someone else more pain or harm, you should never force your catheter. A coudé tip catheter may be necessary if painful cathing occurs with a straight tip.
4. Discover the ideal material for your catheter
There is a rationale behind the wide variety of catheters available. Even with the same catheter material, one person’s experience may differ greatly from another’s. A medical professional can supply you with whatever you require, whether an alternative that does not contain DEHP, POBE, PVC plastic, red rubber latex, or anything else.
A latex catheter can also cause skin rashes or itching, indicating a latex allergy. Spina bifida is one of those rare medical conditions that can increase the likelihood of this happening. Contact your physician if this could be the problem.
5. Try a different size, brand, or kind of catheter
It is very easy to choose the perfect catheter that fits your needs. You can request a free catheter if you ever feel discomfort during catheterization. It will help you to find the brand and type that works best for you. It may be good news to those using the same catheter for a long time that various alternatives are available to help reduce urethral pain.
Using advanced catheter products can also decrease the likelihood of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Items such as hydrophilic catheters, pre-lubricated catheters, closed system catheters, and small pocket catheters may pique your interest.
Conclusion
While your body gets used to it, first-time users might experience a little pain. Once you become accustomed to the feeling, you can overcome that obstacle. But before you try anything at home, consult your doctor if the cathing pain persists or if you notice any bleeding.
Always remember never to force a catheter for a male. You must consult with your medical provider to cure your pain.
