A urinary catheter is a flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine, typically used when a person cannot urinate naturally or requires precise monitoring of fluid output. The physical experience varies widely depending on the type of catheter, such as temporary intermittent catheters or long-term indwelling (Foley) catheters. While the process may involve discomfort, understanding the expected sensations from insertion to removal can help manage anxiety and prepare for the experience.
The Sensation of Catheter Insertion
The moment of insertion is often described as the most acutely uncomfortable phase of the entire catheter process. As the tube passes through the urethra, the sensation is commonly reported as a sudden, intense pressure or a sharp, brief burning feeling. This acute sensation occurs because the urethra is a highly sensitive and narrow passage.
The use of a sterile, water-soluble lubricating jelly is standard practice to minimize friction. This lubricant often contains a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, which numbs the lining of the urethra to dull the sharp sensation. For male patients, the insertion distance is longer, and the catheter must pass through the prostate area, which can increase the feeling of pressure or resistance.
Once the catheter tip reaches the bladder, there can be a momentary feeling of fullness or a strong urge to urinate, which quickly subsides as the tube begins to drain urine. If the procedure is performed too quickly or without adequate lubrication, the discomfort can be intensified, potentially causing a brief, stinging pain.
What It Feels Like While the Catheter is In Place
With an indwelling catheter, the primary ongoing sensation is a persistent, low-level feeling of pressure or fullness in the bladder or lower abdomen. This sensation arises because the presence of the catheter’s tip and its retention balloon irritates the bladder wall. The body’s natural response often leads to a common occurrence known as bladder spasms.
Bladder spasms feel like involuntary, intense cramping in the lower stomach area, similar to menstrual cramps or a strong urge to urinate. These spasms are the muscles of the bladder contracting against the balloon holding the catheter in place. Persistent or severe spasms may require medication to relax the bladder muscle.
Beyond the internal sensations, the external part of the tube can cause mild pulling or rubbing where it exits the body, irritating the sensitive skin of the urethra. Slight discomfort may also be noticed during changes in position, such as sitting up or moving, as the catheter shifts minimally inside the urethra and bladder.
Sensation During Catheter Removal
Catheter removal is typically a much quicker and less painful experience than insertion. A healthcare professional uses a syringe to withdraw the sterile water from the retention balloon, deflating the device within the bladder. Once deflated, the catheter is gently and swiftly pulled out.
The sensation during this withdrawal is often described as a strange, slippery, or slithery feeling as the tube slides out of the urethra. Some people report a brief, mild tugging sensation or a fleeting burning as the tube exits the external opening. Any discomfort is very short-lived because the process takes only a few seconds.
Immediately after removal, the first few times a person urinates can result in a mild burning or stinging sensation, known as dysuria. This post-removal irritation usually resolves within 24 to 72 hours as the urinary tract lining recovers. Drinking plenty of fluids is often recommended to help flush the urinary system and soothe this transient discomfort.
Recognizing Expected Discomfort Versus Serious Pain
Differentiating between expected discomfort and symptoms that signal a complication is important for anyone using a catheter. Mild pressure, occasional bladder spasms that subside, and a brief burning feeling upon initial urination after removal are common and generally not cause for alarm. These sensations are considered normal responses to the physical presence of a foreign object in the urinary tract.
However, certain symptoms indicate a need for immediate medical attention. Contact a healthcare provider promptly if you experience:
- Severe pain in the lower abdomen, groin, or back that does not ease or worsens over time.
- Intense, persistent burning in the urethra, especially when accompanied by fever, chills, or confusion, which may signal a urinary tract infection (UTI).
- A sudden inability for urine to drain, or urine leaking around the catheter accompanied by pain, signaling a blockage or improper placement.
- Visible blood clots in the urine or new swelling, redness, or pus at the insertion site.