What does a catheter feel like?

I have never found it painful or uncomfortable for myself and I have never had a patient complain after a session with a Foley...What some men do that causes irritation and the resulting burn when they first pee after removal is "play with themselves} with the catheter in...This causes the irritation and after effects. But I can only tell my patients not to play with themselves as they are too busy enjoying that new feeling of loss of control that the Foley brings them....I have yet to get any complaints!

Me and my room mate did it in nursing school. We just wanted to see what it felt like before we attempted it on a real person. We both agreed that we felt a little sting like sensation but nothing bad at all. After when I peed it burned for a second.

By the way we did not do it in class. We did it in our apartment alone. At school there was a box of them new. A few sizes. We took the smaller ones. I don't recall the exact size. Plus sterile insertion kits we were told we could take home. I think they meant the ones we opened but we took new ones home.

I've never been cathed in a play exam, only in real life. Never hurt or anything, only time it ever hurt was when they stupid nurse decided to rip it from my bladder with the balloon inflated whilst dragging me onto a different bed. Cath bag was wrapped in sheets and she yanked it. Queue scarring, lots of blood and a huge telling off. Luckily I was away with the fairies on morphine so didn't feel much.

Be careful when playing with catheters too, they can cause UTI, much worse in a male than a female

Loobyloo I would have to disagree the risk of women developing UTI's is greater for Women than men, for a number of reasons. In general, the higher risk in women is mostly due to the shortness of the female urethra, which is 1.5 inches compared to 8 inches in men. Bacteria from fecal matter at the anal opening can be easily transferred to the opening of the urethra ( so for women wiping from front to back after going to the toilet). So with a catheter if the urethral opening is not clean properly, then women can and do develop a UTI. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria and are 10 times more common among women than men.

Frequent or recent sexual activity is the most important risk factor for urinary tract infection in young women. Nearly 80% of all urinary tract infections in premenopausal women occur within 24 hours of intercourse. UTIs are very rare in celibate women.

Women having sex for the first time or who have intense and frequent sex after a period of abstinence are at risk for a condition called "honeymoon cystitis."

Certain types of contraceptives can also increase the risk of UTIs. In particular, women who use diaphragms tend to develop UTIs.

Although pregnancy does not increase the rates of asymptomatic bacteriuria, it does increase the risk that it will progress to a full-blown kidney infection, which can cause early labor and other serious pregnancy complications.

The risk for UTIs, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, is highest in women after menopause. This is primarily due to estrogen loss, which thins the walls of the urinary tract and reduces its ability to resist bacteria. Estrogen loss can also reduce certain immune factors in the vagina that help block E. coli from adhering to vaginal cells. Other aging-related urinary conditions, such as urinary incontinence, can increase the risk for recurrent urinary tract infections.

Antibiotics often eliminate lactobacilli, the protective bacteria, along with harmful bacteria. This can cause an overgrowth of E. coli in the vagina.

As for the severity of the infection In men, recurrent urinary tract infections are also associated with prostatitis, an infection of the prostate gland. Although only about 20% of UTIs occur in men, these infections can cause more serious problems than they do in women. Men with UTIs are far more likely to be hospitalized than women.

Thanks RN1993. You're always a voice of reason and you know your stuff.

I meant a UTI is a lot worse for a man than a woman. I'm quite well aware of the goings on considering I am a GU and reproductive medicine nurse

Just re read my comment and it would appear it does come across as I meant it

Loobyloo if you reread my last paragraph you would see I agree with your statement about the severity of UTI whereas male and females are concerned. However I stand by my claim that women are more like to develop a UTI from a catheter than a man due to their much shorter urethra and the transmigration of bacteria up via the catheter or from the insertion of catheter itself.

Also just to say I have been an ITU nurse for over 21 years, 16 of which as a Senior Charge Nurse.

You use xylocaine 2% or 4% jelly as a lube and you will able to insert the catheter with ease.

you use xylocaine 2% or 4% jelly as a lube and you will able to insert the catheter with ease.

It's one thing to use anesthetic jelly in a hospital to insert a catheter.

DO NOT use it playing at home. People playing at home really DON'T know what they are doing and if you are doing something wrong while you are numb, you won't know you are injuring yourself.

Once again I feel compelled to weigh in on this. You're crazy if you try to catheterize yourself at home unless you have been instructed by a medical professional. People with urological and neurological problems frequently cath themselves but they have had training and have built in backup if something goes wrong. I agree with Susie that xylocaine jelly is not something one should use at home. Pain may be the only indication that something is going wrong. What disaster urethral or bladder trauma would be for the sake of an afternoons play fetish.

I have had a catheter twice while in the hospital for a heart procedure that required an overnight stay. From a sensation standpoint, it was a bit uncomfortable to have it in. Yes I did not ever have the feeling of needing to pee while the catheter was in, but still I could feel it and it was somewhat painful to have in. I was out under anesthesia when it was put in place so I don't recall what that felt like. I do know that when it was pulled out the next morning it did hurt a lot and I had the feeling of needing to pee even though I really did not for about an hour after it had been removed. I am told that the lube that was used to put it in had dried out by the time of removal and the reason for the painful removal.

I have never tried using sounds so I can't say what that feels like but catheters for me don't hold much interest based on this experience in the hospital.

I would like to try it too. It must be in a clean environment and I believe the procedure should be accomplished by someone that has experience. If you can find a willing MD then that would be best. Thats my recommended approach.

I'm hooked on Foley Catheters. I purchased several dozen (very inexpensive) from Allegro Medical online. I insert them myself. The first few times was tricky. I had to get used to the process. Now it takes me about 60 seconds to insert the catheter and inflate the balloon once inserted. I use size 24 FR with the 30 cc balloon.

Every night before bed, I insert a foley and then put on a diaper to drain it. I know, I know ... I'm just begging for a UTI. Well, I've never had one yet since starting this habit almost a year ago. During the day, I uses a urine collection bag strapped to my leg under my pants at work. Most of all, I really like the fact that I can go all day or night without ever feeling that urge that I need to pee. I drink a lot of liquid during the day, and I had been making very frequent trips to the bathroom every 30 to 45 minutes. Now, I never get that "gotta go" feeling. I just drain the bag every 2-3 hours during the day, and let it drain all night into my diaper.

As others have said, in the beginning I notice some burning after removing the catheter and peeing normally. But now after using them for so longer, I have no after effects at all.

I had been cathetrized twice in my life for surgeries. The thing is thta both of them i was under epidural anesthesia and i did not feel uncomfort or pain but i liked the scene to be naked and seeing my penis female nurses. In the second time i was a little erected, despite the anesthesia.

I find self cathing easy and straight forward. There is a plethora of medical reference material available online. That said, if you can have an experienced player or medical professional show you how to do it correctly, absolutely do so.

What does it feel like? Incredible. The loss of control is a fun mind game, but for me, the physical sensations are near mind blowing. Insertion and removal are incredible, as you feel the cath invading your urethra and the sensations don't stop until it is either completely in or out of your body. I absolutely love Foleys.

Orgasm and ejaculation while catheterized are unmatched for me. I highly recommend trying a catheter if you are so inclined.

The first time I was cathed it stung like the dickens! The nurse kept saying "relax, relax," but I couldn't. And peeing the first few times after felt like peeing hot gravel! But still, the feeling was intriguing...

As you know I'm not a fan of catheters. The time I had to have one was after breaking my hip skiing. I had 1200cc in my bladder and I was crying for it. I barely noticed the insertion. The relief was unbelievable. Afterward it was so convenient because I was bed bound. Having not to worry about it was great. When it was removed there was a little stinging for about a day afterwards. They did clamp the foley several times before removing it to increase bladder tone. That just felt vaguely as if I had to pee. It was never one bit sexy. As for attempting it without instruction by a medical professional? A really bad idea. The potential problems are legion. Don't do it.

I had a very bad experience with catheter. Insertion, the nurse didn't know what she was doing. It hurt going in. I'm allergic to latex so yeah not good. Leakage, some how it started leaking. I had to have it removed and replaced. A good thing was, once its in you don't feel a thing. You feel it going in and going out my fear was to move a certain way or forget I had it in and cause it to come out.

I think it depends on whether the person inserting the catheter has experience or not. With Men its always a bit more uncomfortable given the length of the male urethra. In hospital we always use instillagel which is a sterile gel containing a local anaesthetic and antiseptic presented in a sterile package.

Active ingredients are (in each 100 grams):-

Lidocaine Hydrochloride (Local anaesthetic) 2.000g

Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solution (Antiseptic) 0.250g

Methyl Hydroxybenzoate (E218 ) (Antiseptic) 0.060g

Propyl Hydroxybenzoate (E216) (Antiseptic) 0.025g

Instillagel is used when putting a tube or instrument into a body cavity. It contains a local anaesthetic to prevent pain and antiseptics to reduce the risk of infection getting in, while lubricating to make the process smooth.

Also if you have an enlarged prostate then it can be quite uncomfortable on insertion when trying to get past the prostate. Usually its get a bit painful, if the catheter gets pulled or tugged or moved about. Some people have this feeling of a full bladder and wanting to pee constantly ( can be quite difficult at times to explain a cath after a general anesthetic ).

Also rubbing against the tissues in both men and women can cause irritation and soreness. As stated the first pee after a catheter has been in can sting and burn .

As mentioned by DrJ a latex allergy with regards is not a nice experience as all, so you should always enquire about the type of catheter they are planning to use, if you are able too.

I love the feeling of being catheterized at the hand of someone else. The lack of control is exhilarating.

For me the feeling of a catheter is not really comfortable but it isn't bad. It starts with desinfection and getting the lubricant injected. That is ok. And the the catheter is slowly pushed through the urethra. This is a little bit painfull and uncomfortable mostly when it passes the prostate. Then i feel the catheter opening you bludder muscle - for me it feels like ticklish a little bit. When the catheter is inside the bladder, the urine is starting to flow in the bag and I have the feeling to pee very strong. This feeling disappears after ten minutes.

When I'm not in hospital with a foley in I self catheterise every 2 -3 hours . At first it used to be uncomfortable . Now I just insert it and I don't really feel anything .

Insertion of a foley feels the same . It's afterwards when it's been in for a while that it hurts . Passing that first pee is like peeing razor blades.

In the UK we used Instillagel when inserting any catheter to males and females. Instillagel is a sterile gel containing a local anaesthetic and antiseptic presented in a sterile package.

Active ingredients are :-

- Lidocaine Hydrochloride (Local anaesthetic) 2.000g

- Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solution (Antiseptic) 0.250g

- Methyl Hydroxybenzoate (E218 (Antiseptic) 0.060g

- Propyl Hydroxybenzoate (E216) (Antiseptic) 0.025g

in a gel made with Hydroxyethylcellulose, Propylene Glycol and Purified Water.

It contains a local anaesthetic to prevent pain and antiseptics to reduce the risk of infection getting in, while lubricating to make the process smooth.The anaesthetic takes about 5 minutes to work after the gel has been used so you need to wait before inserting the catheter. You might feel a slight stinging just after the gel is used, but this stops as soon as the anaesthetic starts to work. Most people find that there are no problems after the gel has been used but there may be a slight soreness when the effect of the local anaesthetic has worn off.

As Apfelsaft said:

The catheter is slowly pushed through the urethra. This is a little bit painful and uncomfortable mostly when it passes the prostate. Then i feel the catheter opening you bludder muscle - for me it feels like ticklish a little bit. When the catheter is inside the bladder, the urine is starting to flow in the bag and I have the feeling to pee very strong. This feeling disappears after ten minutes.

This normally occurs if you use just a lubricant, but if you don't allow the Instillagel to work. Then as stated by Suise and others:

Depending on the diameter of the catheter, you will feel varying degrees of pressure as it advances through the urethra. When you reach the prostate and the urethral sphincter, it has been described as an orgasm in reverse. Once in the bladder, the urine will run out. For myself, there is a little pressure as the catheter enters the urethra, but after a couple of inches insertion and it enters the bladder, all there is to feel is the catheter sliding in and out.

there is the sensation of pressure when it passes the prostate and then again when entering the bladder.

Sometimes after insertion it takes about a minute before urine starts to flow because of the Instillagel as it dissolves ( water soluble). With males it is vitally important that you DO NOT inflate the balloon until the balloon inflation port touch the tip of the penis to ensure that the balloon is not inflated in the longer male urethra ( which would result in injury and profuse bleeding). There is significantly less chance of doing this with a female due to their much shorter urethra.

After the balloon has been inflated as Susie states:

all there is to feel is the catheter sliding in and out.

Most Importantly do not tug or pull on the catheter as this can be very very painful or repeated manipulation of the catheter can cause the urethra to become a bit sore as stated by Niknoks:

It's afterwards when it's been in for a while that it hurts.

Removal of the catheter is not really painful, just feels a bit strange as the catheter slides out of the bladder and urethra. However the first pee post removal can burn and sting as Niknoks states:

Passing that first pee is like peeing razor blades.

Normally the case when the catheter has been in for an extended period.

Liquid, despite being a doc, inserting multiple Foley catheters, having thousands of patients with them and managing them medically, I never ran across the notion of male masturbation causing prostatitis with a catheter present. I've seen porn videos of semen issuing from around a catheter in situ, so at least some of the ejaculate can apparently get out. What causes the prostatitis (and I was diagnosed with bacterial prostatitis by a urologist in my 20's - no fun!)? Backup of prostatic fluid or urine with bacteria into the prostate? Mechanical irritation? Partial retrograde ejaculation? I'm curious. Thanks.

Eric

For me it was very traumatic experience, nurse didn't know what she was doing hurt like a b*** going in and coming out too. not to mention allergic to latex nurse knew and still did it anyway.

Eric I didn't say it happened to me. I was just afraid that it would. Believe me that after it was removed I was fixing the problem as she went out the door.

Those of you who feel the bladder entered, I think most of the feeling is through the prostate

A friend of mine in his mid 70's was holding down a job in East TX. In Beaumont TX, I think it was. But his kids lived in Ohio, where he grew up as well. He'd participated in dropping bombs on Germany. He and his wife went back home. His dear wife became ill. She stayed back with one of their daughters. He had to return and protect his job by himself. On the way back in his car, his prostate locked up his bladder. He got himself into a clinic for a cath. It all went well and he left feeling much better, but he reported that, 5 hours on down the road he was in bad shape again. Found another clinic for cath. drainage again. This time he requested they leave it in for him. Apparently they gave him no instructions or extra parts to properly deal with the situation. In working with a couple invalids in the past myself, I found that to the unknowing they can be more complicated than one might expect (just a tube for draining, right?) Well he took off on out of there whistling on his merry way again with full confidence he had a good drip on the situation this time for sure. In a couple hours, with the irritation going on inside him he stopped and drained successfully. Blasting off again down the road, he refused to stop for the irritation, reasoning it was a waste of time. Apparently, he had declined a drain bag, not wanting to look weird. The tough old bird that he was he drove another 6 straight hours and was ready for another tank of gasoline. (by this time the internal orifice was clogged with the results of the irritation and dehydration) He goes to drain it, and it don't even dribble. He pants and panics and angrily grabs the outer neck, twisting it between his fingers. He tugs a little to see if that helps, only to discover it seemed to be stuck. Yikes, he cusses, and gets another grip on it again. OOhhh Shhhttt, he yanks that thing plumb out of there with a fit of strength. He said blood and piss went everywhere, pretty much shutting down the gas station restroom, which looked more like a murder scene as he stuffed his pants with paper towels an collected up plenty more. He snuck out of there, paying at the pump, and had no more problems the rest of the trip. When he finally got back to Beaumont TX, he went straight to the hospital. He had the whole place just hooting and hollering out loud!