Living With a Urinary Catheter in Australia: What to Expect and How to Adapt
This article forms part of Dr Deanne Soares’ patient education series, supporting people living with or recovering from urological conditions.
Having a urinary catheter can feel confronting at first. Whether it is needed temporarily after surgery or becomes part of longer-term care, many Australians have the same concerns:
How will this affect my day-to-day life? What care does it need? Can I still work, exercise, travel, or maintain intimacy?
This guide focuses on the practical realities of living with a catheter — the adjustments that help, the warning signs to watch for, and the Australian support systems available to make day-to-day life easier.
Why catheters are used
A urinary catheter allows urine to drain from the bladder when normal emptying is not possible or not advisable.
Common reasons include:
recovery after bladder, prostate, or other pelvic surgery
difficulty emptying the bladder (for example, due to prostate obstruction)
neurological conditions affecting bladder control
certain kidney, urethral, or bladder disorders
Depending on the situation, a catheter may be placed through the urethra or, in some cases, via a suprapubic catheter, which drains the bladder through a small opening in the lower abdomen.
Everyday care and comfort
Hygiene and skin care
Good hygiene reduces discomfort and lowers infection risk.
Clean the skin around the catheter daily with mild soap and water
Pat dry gently
Avoid antiseptics unless specifically advised
Showers are generally preferred to baths, as soaking can allow water to enter the catheter tract
Keeping urine flowing
Empty the drainage bag before it is half full
Keep the bag below bladder level to prevent backflow
Check for kinks or twists if urine flow slows or stops
If urine does not resume flowing, seek medical advice rather than trying to flush or manipulate the catheter yourself.
Securing the catheter
Straps or adhesive anchors help prevent tugging and leakage. Comfort often improves once the tubing is well supported and positioned consistently under clothing.
Recognising when something is wrong
Most people manage a catheter without major issues, but certain symptoms should prompt review:
Infection: fever, chills, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, burning pain
Leakage: urine escaping around the catheter (often due to bladder spasms or blockage)
Blockage: sudden absence of urine drainage with bladder discomfort
Early attention usually prevents more serious complications.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent medical care if you experience:
fever with shaking or rigors
increasing pain not relieved after emptying the bag
no urine draining despite bladder fullness
visible clots or heavy bleeding
These symptoms may indicate infection or blockage requiring prompt treatment.
Living an active life with a catheter
Work and daily activities
Many people continue working, particularly in office-based or home roles. Jobs involving heavy lifting or prolonged physical activity may require temporary adjustments.
Exercise
Walking and gentle activity are encouraged. Avoid movements that strain or pull on the catheter unless cleared by your treating team.
Relationships and intimacy
Intimacy is often still possible, particularly with suprapubic catheters. Open discussion with partners — and individual guidance from your urologist — can help maintain confidence and comfort.
Travel
Travel is achievable with planning:
pack extra catheter supplies in carry-on luggage
stay well hydrated
carry a brief medical letter if flying
Support and resources in Australia
Australians have access to excellent catheter and continence support, including:
Continence Foundation of Australia — education, helpline, peer support
Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) — federal subsidy for eligible long-term users
State Wide Equipment Program (SWEP – Victoria) — equipment and community nursing support
Independence Australia — supply delivery nationwide
Community nursing support can often be arranged through your GP or local health network.
Emotional wellbeing and confidence
Feeling self-conscious or anxious when living with a catheter is common, especially early on. With time, routine, and support, most people regain confidence.
Confidential support is available via the Continence Foundation of Australia’s helpline (1800 33 00 66).
Final thoughts
Living with a catheter is rarely anyone’s preference, but it does not have to limit independence or quality of life. With good care, awareness of warning signs, and access to appropriate support, most people continue working, travelling, exercising, and maintaining relationships.
If you have ongoing concerns, individual advice from your urology team can help tailor care to your circumstances.
About the author
Dr Deanne Soares is a Melbourne-based urologist who assesses and manages a wide range of urological conditions, with an emphasis on thoughtful, individualised care.
