Patient Guide: Scientific Management of Urination Problems

1. Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC)

Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC) refers to a catheterization method performed under clean conditions by non-medical personnel (patients or their family members), in which a catheter is regularly inserted into the bladder to empty urine, thereby avoiding the need for an indwelling catheter. This reduces the patient’s dependence on medical staff and improves their independence in daily life. CIC effectively simulates the natural urination pattern, lowers the risk of infection, and is internationally recognized as the “gold standard” for the management of neurogenic bladder.

2. Target Population

• 2.1. Neurological dysfunction: Voiding problems caused by conditions such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or spinal tumors;
• 2.2. Non-neurogenic bladder dysfunction: Voiding problems due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, postpartum urinary retention, etc.;
• 2.3. Patients with reduced detrusor activity: or weakened contractility, or those with bladder outlet obstruction after overactive bladder has been controlled, who still present with voiding difficulties;
• 2.4. Incomplete bladder emptying: due to intravesical obstruction;
• 2.5. Auxiliary examinations: To obtain urine samples for testing, accurately measure urine volume, fill the bladder before pelvic ultrasound examinations (transvaginal or abdominal), or perform urodynamic studies.

3. Contraindications

• Patients who cannot perform self-catheterization and whose caregivers are unable to assist;
• Patients with insufficient cognitive ability who cannot cooperate with catheter insertion or follow the scheduled catheterization plan;
• Patients with urethral anatomical abnormalities, such as urethral stricture, urinary tract obstruction, bladder neck obstruction, or severe benign prostatic hyperplasia;
• Patients with suspected complete or partial urethral injury (e.g., urethral bleeding, hematuria) or urethral tumors;
• Patients with a bladder capacity of less than 200 ml;
• Patients with urinary tract infections, such as urethritis or periurethral abscess;
• Patients with severe urinary incontinence;
• Patients with uncontrolled excessive daily fluid intake;
• Patients who continue to present with bladder autonomic reflex abnormalities despite treatment.

4. Why Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC)?

• 4.1. Protect upper urinary tract (kidney) function: Regular self-catheterization keeps the bladder empty, thereby helping maintain kidney health;
• 4.2. Restore lower urinary tract (bladder) function: By allowing the bladder to store urine and then empty it, the natural bladder activity is preserved, which may help restore bladder function;
• 4.3. Improve/control urinary incontinence and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections: Even if bacteria enter the bladder during catheter insertion, regular emptying of the bladder flushes them out with the urine, thus helping to prevent infection;
• 4.4. Improve quality of life: Unlike living with an indwelling catheter connected to a urine bag, self-catheterization does not hinder physical activity, enabling patients to work, attend school, travel, and participate in social activities.

6. Compared to common catheters, our company's hydrophilic coated catheter can provide:

• 6.1. Less hurt to mucous membrane and improving safety
• 6.2. Without any foul odor
• 6.3. Low COF<0.02 and low cytotoxicity
• 6.4. Helps restore bladder function and reduce urinary tract infections

Contact us for more details!