Using a catheter

A urinary catheterA tube used either to drain fluid from the body or to introduce fluid into the body. is used when you cannot urinate by yourself. This sometimes happens as a result of prostate cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body., or following treatment. There are different types of catheterA tube used either to drain fluid from the body or to introduce fluid into the body., but all do the same thing - they collect the urine from your bladderThe organ that stores urine. and pass it into a bag so it can be disposed of later.

Some catheters are inserted through the penis into the bladderThe organ that stores urine., whereas others are fitted over the penis like a condom. Some catheters are designed for long-term use and others for intermittent use.

Your catheterA tube used either to drain fluid from the body or to introduce fluid into the body. is an important part of regaining independence and getting back to normality.