• Intermittent catheterization is necessary to help your daughter to empty her bladder of urine.
• The steps in the method below may serve as a guide; speak to your healthcare team about the specific equipment that your child uses.

Considerations:

• This technique should be done in or close to a bathroom, depending upon the age and mobility of your child.
• If your daughter is physically able, she can learn to do her own catheterizations (self-catheterization), under the supervision of an adult.
• The internal and external sphincters are sometimes contracted, which can create a sensation of resistance when inserting the catheter. In girls, the sphincters are so close to one another that resistance is felt only once. Refer to the section: What is it?
• Your daughter may feel a sensation of pressure during catheterization; this feeling should not be painful. If catheterization is painful, talk with your healthcare team. If necessary, they may suggest another type of catheter or other steps to do the technique, based on the needs of your daughter.
• Good handwashing is essential before and after providing care.
• Optimize your child’s comfort during care with appropriate positioning and the use of distraction.

• The frequency of catheterizations required depends on the capacity of the bladder, the schedule of activities, the level of hydration, age and your daughter’s health condition; it is determined with your healthcare team.
• Your daughter can also request another catheterization when feeling bladder pressure or the urge to urinate.
• If there is incontinence between catheterizations, talk with your healthcare team.