catheter is a flexible plastic tube used to drain urine from
your bladder when you cannot urinate by yourself. A doctor will
place the catheter into the bladder by inserting it through the
urethra, the opening that carries urine from the bladder to the
outside of the body. When the catheter is in the bladder, a
small balloon is inflated to keep the catheter in place. The
catheter allows urine to drain from the bladder into a bag that
is usually attached to the thigh. Indwelling urinary catheters
can be used in both men and women. A catheter may be needed
because of certain medical conditions, such as an enlarged
prostate, the inability to control the release of urine, or
after surgery on the pelvis or urinary tract. Urinary catheters
are also used when the lower part of the body Always wash your
hands before and after handling your catheter. Follow all of the
instructions your doctor has given you. Also: You will need to
empty the bag regularly, whenever it is half full, and at
bedtime. If your doctor has ins