How do I care for my Foley catheter?

• You can shower with the Foley catheter in place.
• Use a mild soap to clean off any discharge (pus).
• Pat the area dry with a dry towel.
• Put Polysporin where the catheter enters the penis. Polysporin helps to form a barrier to keep bacteria from going up the catheter into the bladder.

Clean the catheter area 2 to 3 times a day and as needed. You can use a baby wet wipe to clean the area instead of soap and water, if it’s easier. (You can buy baby wipes at any drug store or supermarket.)

• The catheter should be secure. Tape it very well to the upper part of your thigh to reduce pulling. Pulling on the catheter may cause some bleeding.
• Call your doctor if the catheter comes out.
• Your urine should be clear. Not drinking enough fluid will make your urine darker.
• The colour of your urine may change from clear amber to dark burgundy. This is normal. There are usually old clots at the bottom of the bladder and when you move around these clots stir and make your urine change colour.
• Spasms may irritate and cause some bleeding. Call your doctor if the bleeding does not decrease even when you are drinking fluids and resting.
• Do NOT do Kegel exercises while the catheter is in place. The exercises will give you spasms and cause bleeding.
• If your urine becomes bright red, drink more fluids and rest for short periods. Urine may become more red if you are straining for a bowel movement.
• It is normal to have urine leak around the catheter. This is caused by bladder spasms. This may also happen when you are having a bowel movement.
• It is normal to pass old clots from around the catheter. These are usually too large to fit through the catheter.
• STOP taking any bladder spasm medication such as Ditropan or O&B suppositories 24 hours before your catheter comes out.