Whether for short-term use after surgery or long-term management of urinary incontinence or urinary retention, a urinary catheter can be a crucial tool in aiding those who cannot pass urine naturally. However, with its benefits come responsibilities — proper urinary catheter care is essential to prevent infection, maintain hygiene, and ensure the comfort of the user. In Singapore, many rely on home care or support from loved ones to manage these needs, especially older adults.
This guide offers a practical and comprehensive overview of urinary catheter care — focusing on hygiene, cleaning routines, and safe handling — whether you’re managing an indwelling urinary catheter for yourself or helping a loved one.
The number one rule when using a urinary catheter — whether it's a Foley catheter or another type — is to keep everything clean. Since the catheter is a narrow and flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine, it creates a direct pathway for bacteria to travel into the urinary tract. Without proper care, this can lead to a urinary tract infection, blood clots, or other complications such as leaking or pain.
Maintaining a closed drainage system — where the catheter bag remains securely connected to the catheter tubing — and practising good hygiene are essential for preventing infection. Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching the catheter or drainage bag.
Personal hygiene is critical when managing a urinary catheter, especially if you have an indwelling catheter (a catheter left in place for a longer duration). The area where the catheter enters the body — typically the urethra or lower abdomen — needs to be kept clean and dry.
Daily hygiene helps keep skin healthy and reduces the risk of infection:
If you’re a caregiver, maintaining the hygiene of a loved one with a urinary catheter requires attention to detail and compassion.
The catheter bag — whether a leg bag used during the day or a night bag for continuous drainage while sleeping — must be properly cleaned and cared for.
To clean the used bag:
Changing the urine bag is often necessary — particularly if switching between a leg bag and night bag, or replacing a used bag due to wear.
To change the bag:
Dispose of old bags according to your healthcare provider’s instructions — and never reuse disposable ones.
Changing the indwelling urinary catheter itself is a procedure that must be handled by healthcare providers. Whether you're at a nearest polyclinic or receiving home nursing care, only trained professionals should manage this process.
An indwelling catheter is held in place by an inflated balloon inside the bladder, and removing it improperly can cause injury or bleeding. If you see bright red blood, feel pain, or experience blockage, emergency medical attention may be needed.
Never attempt to change the catheter yourself unless specifically trained and advised by a medical expert.
Daily urinary catheter care involves more than just cleaning — it also includes consistent, mindful practices that reduce the risk of urinary tract infection, ensure proper drainage, and maintain comfort. Whether you're using a Foley catheter for long-term urinary retention or managing short-term catheterisation post-surgery, these general hygiene habits are crucial to keeping the system safe and working smoothly.
The simplest and most effective way to prevent infection is to keep your hands clean. Before and after handling any part of the catheter, catheter tubing, or urine bag, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol, though washing with soap remains the gold standard.
Caregivers should also practise hand hygiene diligently, particularly when cleaning the genital area or changing bags. This basic habit creates the first line of defence against bacteria entering the urinary tract.
To ensure proper urine draining, the drainage bag should always be kept below the level of the bladder. This helps avoid backflow, where urine could flow back into the catheter and increase the risk of infection.
When walking with a leg bag, make sure it’s securely strapped to the thigh or calf and not allowed to swing loosely. At night, hang the night bag beside the bed so it stays lower than the bladder but is still off the floor. This position helps maintain a closed drainage system, supporting safe, continuous drainage.
Never allow the urine bag to rest on the floor, even temporarily. Floors, especially in public or shared living spaces, can harbour large amounts of bacteria. A bag touching the floor is at higher risk of contamination and could introduce harmful germs into the urinary tract when urine flows back.
At home, use a dedicated hook, stand, or hanger to keep the bag elevated and hygienic. If you're out, ensure the leg bag is properly secured and does not dangle or drag.
Monitor the urine output frequently. A healthy adult typically passes 800–2000 mL of urine per day, depending on hydration and activity levels. If you notice significantly less or more urine draining, or if you see blood clots, bright red blood, cloudy urine, or if the urine smells bad, it could indicate an underlying issue.
Also, never let the bag fill completely. Empty the drainage bag when it’s about two-thirds full. A super full bag can put pressure on the catheter tubing, lead to leakage, or disrupt the flow, potentially causing pain or damage to the bladder.
Kinks or bends in the catheter tube or tubing can prevent urine from flowing freely. This can result in urine retention, increased bladder pressure, and ultimately leakage around the catheter or pain in the lower abdomen.
Check regularly to ensure the tube runs in a straight line from the catheter to the bag without folds or tight loops. Avoid sitting or lying on the tube. Make sure clothing does not compress the tubing, and use leg straps if needed to secure the position.
Being proactive about your urinary catheter care means not only maintaining cleanliness but also recognising early signs that something might be wrong. If ignored, small issues can escalate into emergencies requiring emergency medicine or urgent care from healthcare professionals.
Here are key warning signs to watch for:
Leaking is one of the most common signs of catheter-related complications. You might notice urine around the urethra, on the skin, or wet clothing or bed sheets. Leaks may indicate:
Small amounts of urine leakage can also occur during constipation or physical strain. Always report persistent leaks to a healthcare provider to rule out misplacement or blockage.
A well-functioning urinary catheter should be comfortable and nearly unnoticeable once the body adjusts. However, if any of the following symptoms appear, it may signal a problem:
These symptoms can suggest urinary retention, catheter blockage, or improper positioning. Prompt medical attention can help resolve the issue quickly and prevent further complications.
A urinary tract infection is a common risk when using a catheter, particularly a long-term indwelling urinary catheter. Since the catheter bypasses the body's natural defences, bacteria can more easily enter the bladder or urethra. Key signs of infection include:
If any of these symptoms are present, it is critical to seek medical advice immediately. Left untreated, infections can travel up the urinary tract and potentially cause kidney damage or sepsis.
Consistent urinary catheter care is essential for reducing complications and maintaining comfort. By following simple hygiene protocols, paying close attention to your body’s signals, and working with trusted healthcare providers, most people with urinary catheters can continue their normal activities with dignity and safety.
If you're supporting an senior loved one with a catheter in Singapore, remember you’re not alone. Red Crowns offers professional caregiver services and home-based catheter management, guided by trained medical staff. Whether you need short-term help after surgery or long-term seniorcare, we are here to support you every step of the way — because your well-being is our priority.
For more information or personalised advice, reach out to our team at Red Crowns Singapore. Let us help you manage catheter care with confidence, compassion, and clinical excellence.
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