Many people have to use catheters when they’re having bladder and urinary issues, so it’s nothing to be ashamed of. You do, however, have to know how to correctly use your catheter to avoid infection. There are several ways to sterilize a catheter, but the most effective involves simple soap and water and rubbing alcohol.
First off, be sure that you have reusable catheters. If you have disposable catheters, which are a bit more expensive over the long run, you don’t need to sterilize them because you should not reuse any of them. Each time you use a catheter, just toss it in the trash and forget about it.
If you have reusable catheters, first check to see how many times you can use them. You can probably use each one several times, but you’ll want to track approximately how many times you’ve used each one so that you know when to throw it out. Once you know this information, you can get started using your catheters.
Once you’ve used a catheter, rinse it with basic tap water for about half a minute. Don’t use water from airplanes or water that has been held in a container, as it could contain harmful bacteria. Let the catheter dry on a paper towel until it’s completely dry, and then place it in a container full of alcohol for five minutes. Don’t rinse off the alcohol, but transfer the catheter straight into a freezer bag. Seal off the bag, and use the catheter within seven days; otherwise, sterilize it again before using it.
Some catheters will say that you only need to use soap and water to clean them and that you don’t have to worry about sterilization, but it’s probably best to go ahead and sterilize the catheter. You can also do this with a solution of bleach or betadine, although alcohol works best.