A catheter is a flexible tube that connects to the bladder and drains urine into the toilet or a bag. It helps people who have trouble peeing empty their bladders. 

Doctors use catheters when people can't urinate because of illness, surgery, or an injury. There are also types of catheters that you learn to insert yourself.

Types of catheters

There are a few different types of urinary catheters.

• Intermittent catheters: Intermittent catheters, or self-catheterization, allow you to use a catheter only when needed. You insert the catheter, use it to empty your bladder and then throw it away.
• Indwelling catheters: Indwelling catheters are inside your bladder. The catheter drains the urine from your bladder. The urine goes into a bag attached to your leg that you can empty into a toilet.
• External catheters: You may hear these called condom catheters because the catheter fits over your penis. (There's also a version for people with vulvas.) 

Certain urological conditions can affect your ability to urinate regularly. With urinary retention, you may not be able to empty your bladder. If it's severe and not getting better after trying everything possible, you may need a catheter. 

People in hospice or palliative care sometimes also need catheters. This could be because they're physically not able to use a bathroom. It could also be due to incontinence.

If you need a catheter, your care team will show you how to use it safely and keep it clean. They’ll explain what kind of catheter you have and how it works. Most people learn to manage their catheter at home with some practice and support.

You’ll get instructions on how to empty the catheter, keep your skin clean, and watch for signs of infection. Your team will also answer questions and make sure you feel confident caring for it. If your needs change, they’ll help adjust your care plan.

The biggest risk with catheters is infection, especially urinary tract infection (UTI).

This is why it's so important to always:

• Have clean hands before and after performing catheter care
• Wash the area around your catheter
• Use clean towels to dry your hands or body

Catheters can also damage your urethra (though external ones are less likely to). Your care team will walk you through the risks and benefits of the different types of catheters.