Simple answer, yes.
Less simple answer….
Let me start by saying that I am not a medical professional and this in not medical advice.
That said, I am someone who has bladder emptying issues caused by nerve damage and for the last twenty some years has had to use intermittent clean self catherization on and off. I have never had to rely on it totally, but have had to use CIC 0 to 3 times a day to get my bladder completely empty. It has been one of a set of tools that I have used to retain as much bladder function as I can. I have done it a few thousand times.
The only times I have had UTIs has been when I was cathing. (I tended to get them in clusters to. I might have no UTIs in a year or I might have 4.) You can have the best technique in the world, but your penis, like the rest of you, is covered in bacteria and you will eventually push some in.
If you are going to do this for fun, I have this personal advice. This is just personal advice, not medical. I am not a medical professional. Talk to a real doctor or nurse in person for medical advice. This is just stuff that seemed to help me over the years.
• Never reuse a catheter.
• When cleaning your hands before hand, use a paper towel to dry your hands, not your regular cloth one.
• Try to use one of the no touch or less touch catheters.
• Wash the head of your penis before inserting.
• Cleanliness! Cleanliness! Cleanliness!
• If the catheter touches something that it shouldn’t before going in you (like the head of your penis), throw it out. (or clean it for a little rectal play)
• Check out some catheter manufactures web sites. They will usually have instructional videos.
• Try a supplement like d-mannose when you are cathing.
• Get some urine test strips.
• If you suspect an infection, SEE A DOCTOR! It is embarrassing, but do it.
Similar advice applies to those with vaginas instead of penises.
UTIs can be just annoying and go away on their own. Or they can be really bad and even life threatening. Please take them seriously. I have had them go from “a little cloudy I’m not sure if I need to go in” to fever of 102 real fast.
Sorry to be preachy or a downer, but it’s just what I have experienced. Be careful out there.
(If you want me to preachy in a more fun way, ask me about Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. ;>😉 I will sing its praises. )