There are a wide variety of medical issues that might lead to having a catheter. You might have to have a surgery done, in which case, you might get a catheter during your recovery. An elderly person in a nursing home may need to be catheterized if they're severely incontinent. Long illnesses might require a catheter in some cases. There are tons of ways a person might find themselves with a doctor's order for a catheter.

In some cases, a person might discover they need an intermittent catheter. Some diseases and injuries may result in a person needing to insert a catheter throughout the day in order to void their bladder. People with spinal bifida need intermittent catheters, spinal injuries can cause conditions that require it, accidents and surgeries may result in it... there's a host of ways a person can end up having to perform this unpleasant process.

Fortunately, it's not a dreadfully difficult process. A person who finds themselves in a situation where they require intermittent catheters will be trained by a medical professional in how to properly insert a catheter, how to make sure they've completely emptied their bladder, how to remove the catheter, and how to clean up before and after the process. (Alternatively, their home care provider, like a husband or wife, can be trained in this, if the person can't do it for themselves.)

An intermittent catheter is used at least four times a day. A person who requires an intermittent catheter will be taught how to clean their genital area properly prior to inserting the catheter. Lubrication is used to aid the insertion process, and this is occasionally accompanied by a topical analgesic, to numb the opening of the urethra. The catheter is inserted and guided carefully up the urethra until urine begins to flow. When the flow ends, a patient might have to rotate the catheter, or shift positions to ensure their bladder has been completely emptied, before removing the catheter. An intermittent catheter is used at least four times a day.

Recent medical news reports on new advances in the materials of catheters as well, making the process easier, safer, and less costly all the time.

Using an intermittent catheter can be an unpleasant little chore, but it doesn't have to be a particularly difficult one. With a bit of practice, a patient who has to use an intermittent catheter will find the process can be accomplished pretty quickly, with little disruption to their day.