Living With a Urinary Catheter in Australia: Expert Advice from Melbourne Urologist Dr Deanne Soares
This article provides practical information for patients living with or recovering from urological conditions, including those undergoing investigation or treatment for urological disease.
Living With a Catheter in Australia: What to Expect and How to Adapt
Having a urinary catheter can feel confronting at first. Whether it’s required for a short period after surgery or becomes part of daily life, many Australians ask the same questions:
How will this affect my lifestyle? What care does it need? Can I still travel, work, or exercise?
This guide goes beyond the basics, exploring the practical realities — the small adjustments, common hurdles, and support available locally to help you live comfortably and confidently.
Why Catheters Are Used
A urinary catheter provides a pathway for urine to leave the body when the bladder can’t empty on its own. Common reasons include:
Recovery after bladder, prostate, or gynaecological surgery
Difficulty emptying the bladder (for example, due to prostate obstruction)
Neurological conditions affecting bladder control
Certain kidney or urethral disorders
Depending on your situation, Dr Deanne Soares may recommend a catheter inserted through the urethra, or occasionally a suprapubic catheter, which passes directly into the bladder through a small abdominal opening.
Everyday Care and Comfort
Hygiene and Skin Care
Cleanliness keeps you comfortable and prevents infection.
Wash the skin around the catheter daily with mild soap and water.
Pat dry gently and avoid antiseptics unless directed by your doctor.
Showers are preferred to baths, as soaking can let water enter the tract.
Keeping Urine Flowing
Empty the drainage bag before it is half full and always keep it below bladder level to prevent backflow.
If urine stops flowing, check for kinks or twists. If the issue continues, contact Dr Deanne’s team promptly.
Securing the Tube
Catheter straps or adhesive anchors help stabilise the tubing and prevent tugging or leaks. Experiment with placement until you find what feels most comfortable under your clothing.
Recognising When Something’s Wrong
Most people manage well, but knowing the warning signs helps avoid complications:
Infection: fever, chills, cloudy or smelly urine, burning pain
Leakage: urine escaping around the tube (often due to bladder spasms or sizing)
Blockage: sudden stop in urine flow or painful fullness in the bladder
If any of these occur, seek medical advice promptly.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Call your doctor or attend an emergency department if you experience:
Fever, chills, or sweats
Severe pain not relieved after emptying the bag
No urine draining despite bladder fullness
Visible blood clots or heavy bleeding in the tubing
These can signal a blockage or infection requiring urgent care.
Living an Active Life with a Catheter
Work and Daily Activities
Most people continue working, particularly in office or home settings.
If your role involves heavy lifting or public interaction, discuss adjustments with your doctor or employer.
Exercise
Walking and light exercise are encouraged. Avoid movements that strain or pull the catheter until cleared by your urologist.
Relationships and Intimacy
Sexual activity is often still possible, especially with suprapubic catheters. Open discussion with your partner — and specific medical guidance from Dr Deanne — can help maintain intimacy and confidence.
Travel
Travel is entirely possible with some planning:
Pack extra catheter supplies in your carry-on luggage.
Stay well hydrated, particularly in warm climates.
Carry a doctor’s letter if flying to explain your medical equipment.
Support and Resources in Australia
Australians have excellent access to supplies and professional support:
Independence Australia – delivers catheter and drainage equipment nationwide
Continence Foundation of Australia – provides education, helpline, and community support
Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) – federal subsidy for eligible long-term users
State Wide Equipment Program (SWEP – Victoria) – equipment and nurse support funding
Community nursing visits can also be arranged via your GP or local health network
Emotional Wellbeing and Confidence
Feeling anxious or embarrassed about a catheter is entirely normal at first. With time and routine, most people regain confidence.
If you’re struggling, counselling or peer groups can help. The Continence Foundation of Australia offers a free helpline (1800 33 00 66) for confidential advice and support.
Expert Care in Melbourne
Dr Deanne Soares consults and performs surgery across Melbourne’s leading hospitals, including:
Epworth Freemasons (East Melbourne)
St Vincent’s Private (Fitzroy)
Epworth Richmond
Peninsula Private Hospital
The Bays Hospital (Mornington)
Patients across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula can access expert catheter-care advice, management, and long-term support tailored to their needs.
Living with a catheter is rarely anyone’s first choice — but it doesn’t need to limit your life.
With good hygiene, awareness of warning signs, and access to professional and emotional support, you can continue working, travelling, exercising, and maintaining fulfilling relationships.
If you have questions or concerns, reach out to Dr Deanne Soares for individual advice and support available right here in Victoria.
Specialist perspective: Dr Deanne Soares is a Melbourne-based urologist with a subspecialty focus in robotic prostate, kidney and bladder cancer surgery.