How often you need to change a catheter depends on several factors, including the type of catheter you're using, its materials, the manufacturer's instructions, and your doctor's recommendations. While some are discarded after each use, others remain in place and follow an individualized replacement schedule. Understanding these differences is an important part of urology care and can help reduce the risk of complications. Here, we’ll explain when different catheters are typically used, along with signs that you may need to contact your doctor.
Quick Overview: How Often Should You Change a Urinary Catheter?
- There’s no universal catheter replacement schedule; timing depends on the catheter type, manufacturer’s instructions, and individual care plan.
- Indwelling and suprapubic catheters should be changed according to clinical need and guidance from a healthcare provider, rather than an arbitrary schedule.
- Most single-use intermittent catheters should be discarded after each catheterization.
- Many reusable drainage bags are replaced approximately every five to seven days, although product instructions can vary.
- Blockage, leakage, damage, poor drainage, dislodgement, or symptoms of infection may mean the catheter or bag needs attention sooner.
How Often Should You Change a Urinary Catheter?
There are a few important distinctions to make before you try to change a catheter. The most important one is whether or not your catheter is intermittent or indwelling. Indwelling catheters should generally be changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions or clinical indications such as blockage, infection, leakage, damage, or a compromised drainage system.
Other catheter types follow different guidelines. Single-use intermittent catheters are removed and discarded after each catheterization, while external catheters are often changed more frequently according to their product instructions. Suprapubic catheters typically follow a provider-directed schedule and may require earlier replacement if complications develop. There's not typically one replacement schedule that works for everyone, so while guidelines can help, it's always best to talk to your doctor.
How Often Should Different Types of Catheters Be Changed?
Different types of urinary catheters are designed to be used for different lengths of time. Some are removed immediately after the bladder is emptied, while others remain in place and follow an individualized replacement schedule. Always work with your doctor to better understand your schedule, as this can help reduce the risk of complications and prevent infections.
Indwelling or Foley Catheters
An indwelling catheter, also called a Foley catheter, remains inside the bladder and continuously drains urine into a collection bag. There isn’t a universal schedule for changing one, and your doctor will let you know how long you need to keep the catheter in place. It may need to be changed, however, if it gets blocked or becomes damaged or dislodged. You may also need a replacement if the system is compromised due to a suspected infection.
In most situations, the catheter will remain in place, and you will need to change or empty the leg bag or collection bag elsewhere on your body. Most recommendations are to empty it when it's half to three-quarters full, but you can also empty the bag every time you're leaving the house to give you more peace of mind.
Suprapubic Catheters
A suprapubic catheter enters the bladder through a small opening in the lower abdomen. These catheters also usually follow a scheduled replacement plan established by a urologist or another healthcare professional. The exact interval can vary according to the catheter type and whether you experience any complications.
The first suprapubic catheter change is especially important because the urinary tract needs time to heal. Therefore, never attempt to replace a suprapubic catheter on your own, as the opening can begin to close if the catheter falls out.
Intermittent Catheters
An intermittent catheter is inserted only long enough to empty the bladder and is then removed. Therefore, it's important to practice good hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the materials.
Most intermittent catheters provided for single use should be used once and discarded after each catheterization. A new sterile or clean catheter is then used the next time the bladder needs to be emptied. The frequency of catheter changes or uses for intermittent options typically depends on how often you need to empty your bladder. If you feel like you're performing urinary catheterization too often or notice signs of irritation or other complications, it's important to see your doctor.
External Catheters
External catheters are worn outside the body rather than inserted into the bladder. Condom catheters fit over the penis, while other external urine collection systems may be designed for female anatomy. Since these products contact the skin and rely on an adhesive or seal, many are intended to be replaced frequently. The exact schedule varies by product, so always check the manufacturer’s directions. Change an external catheter sooner if it becomes loose, soiled, damaged, or begins leaking. You should also remove it and contact your doctor if you notice persistent redness, swelling, broken skin, pain, discoloration, or another sign of skin injury.
How Often Should You Change the Catheter Drainage Bag?
Many reusable urinary drainage bags are replaced approximately every five to seven days, but each product can vary, as some bags are only intended for single use. Additionally, some overnight bags are disposable and should be discarded after one use, while others can be cleaned and reused for a limited period.
However, the catheter and drainage bag don’t necessarily follow the same replacement schedule. It's important to avoid disconnecting the bag unnecessarily, as opening the closed drainage system may allow bacteria to enter. You should also always wash your hands before and after handling the equipment and keep the bag below bladder level to avoid issues with the catheter tube or flow.
What Happens If a Catheter Is Left in Too Long?
Leaving a urinary catheter in place longer than recommended can increase the risk of complications. Bacteria commonly collect on long-term catheters, but this doesn’t always mean a person has a symptomatic urinary tract infection. The risk of infection and other problems generally increases the longer an indwelling catheter remains in place. Potential complications include:
- Catheter-associated urinary tract infections
- Mineral buildup and catheter encrustation
- Reduced urine flow or complete blockage
- Urine leaking around the catheter
- Bladder spasms and discomfort
- Urethral irritation, inflammation, or injury
- Bladder stones with prolonged catheter use
- Damage to the catheter material or drainage system
Although a long-term urinary catheter increases your risk of developing urinary tract infections, changing it more frequently isn’t necessarily safer. Unnecessary changes can cause discomfort, injure the urethra, and introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. Follow the schedule provided by your healthcare professional and contact them if the catheter stops draining, becomes damaged or dislodged, or causes new symptoms.
Signs Your Catheter May Need to Be Changed Early
Even if you follow a regular replacement schedule, certain problems may mean your catheter needs attention sooner. Remember, never remove an indwelling catheter on your own. Additionally, it's important to contact your doctor if you notice:
- Little or no urine flowing into the drainage bag after checking the tubing for kinks or compression
- Urine leaking around the catheter rather than draining through it
- Visible cracks, deterioration, or other damage to the catheter or drainage equipment
- Heavy sediment, debris, or repeated catheter blockages
- A broken connection or accidental disconnection that compromises the closed drainage system
- New or worsening pain, bladder pressure, or bladder spasms
- New, persistent, or increasing blood in the urine
- The catheter has fallen out or appears to be partially dislodged
- Persistent foul-smelling or unusually cloudy urine accompanied by other symptoms
- Fever, chills, pelvic pain, lower abdominal discomfort, or sudden confusion that may indicate an infection
- Redness, swelling, pain, bleeding, or discharge around a suprapubic catheter site
Finding the Right Catheter Supplies With Byram Healthcare
The frequency with which you should change a urinary catheter depends on several factors and your individualized care plan, so it's important to work closely with your doctor. Following the recommended schedule and watching for problems can help you manage your catheter more safely and comfortably, but if you ever have any issues or doubts, it's always best to schedule an appointment with your healthcare practitioner.
To help, Byram Healthcare offers a broad selection of urinary catheters and other urologic products delivered discreetly to your home. Explore your options and work with your healthcare provider to choose the supplies that best support your catheter care routine.
