Going home with a urinary catheter following a gynaecological procedure
Information for patients from Women's Health
This leaflet explains how to care for your catheter when you go home, and who to contact if you have any concerns.
We understand that going home with a catheter may be upsetting. You can speak with a nurse or doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
How do I care for my catheter at home?
To avoid the risk of infection, follow these simple instructions.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching your catheter.
If possible, shower (preferably) or have a bath daily. Do this with your leg bag attached. Empty the catheter bag before you wash. Once finished, dry the catheter and bag with a towel.
Wash the skin around the catheter daily, with unscented soap and water. Rinse and dry thoroughly with a clean wash cloth.
Always wash front to back where the catheter tube enters your body. This will prevent infection around the catheter site. Do this at least once or twice a day.
Do not use cream or talc around the catheter.
Your catheter bag should always be below your bladder; a leg bag can help you with this.
What is a leg bag?
We attach the leg bag to your calf or thigh with a pair of leg straps, a sleeve, fixation devices, or a special holster. How you wear the bag depends on what feels comfortable for you.
When attaching the leg bag, use the straps provided. Always make sure you place the straps through the slots and behind the inlet tube. If you place them over the tube, this can block it.
The leg bag can stay connected to the catheter for 7 days. Leaving the leg bag connected in this way helps to reduce the risk of infection.
How do I empty the catheter bag?
We will show you how to empty the leg drainage bag by opening the tap at the bottom of the bag.
Empty the leg bag before it is full. This will prevent it from becoming heavy and causing discomfort. You should use your judgement to ensure your comfort and wellbeing.
Empty the bag into the toilet if possible. If you are unable to get to a toilet, drain the urine into a suitable container.
After emptying the bag, make sure you close the outlet tap properly.
Remember to wash your hands before and after emptying your catheter bag.
What should I do at night?
At night you can connect a larger drainage bag (night bag) to the leg bag.
Empty your leg bag before attaching it to the night bag.
Once you have connected the night bag, open the drainage tap on the leg bag. This will ensure that your urine drains from the leg bag into the night bag.
You can place the night bag on a towel beside your bed.
Each morning, close the drainage tap to the leg bag and disconnect the night bag. Empty it down the toilet.
Dispose of the night bag daily, or every 5 to 7 days. This will depend on the night bag we gave you. Your nurse will tell you when you should change the bag.
When will I go back to the hospital?
We will usually send you home with a catheter for 7 days. Your nurse or doctor will tell you if this is any different. This allows your bladder to rest.
On the 7th day we will ask you to go to the Gynaecology Assessment Unit to have your catheter removed. Their number is at the bottom of this leaflet.
Due to patient safety, on rare occasions, you may have the removal of your catheter delayed. We will discuss this with you, and it will depend on your individual circumstances.
When we remove your catheter, you may need to stay in hospital for another 2 to 3 hours. This is so the nurses have enough time to check your bladder is working properly again.
If you have any worries, questions, or feel unwell, please call the Gynaecology Assessment Unit. Their number is at the bottom of this leaflet.
What if no urine drains from my catheter?
If no urine is draining from your catheter, check the following.
Is the tubing kinked?
The bag should be below bladder level.
Are you constipated (not pooing as often as normal, or finding it hard to poo)?
Is the drainage bag connected the right way up?
Have you been drinking enough (at least 1 to 2 litres in 24 hours)?
Try walking or moving around, as this may dislodge a blockage. If nothing drains and you are in pain, contact the Gynaecology Assessment Unit for advice. Their number is at the bottom of this leaflet.
If your catheter falls out, contact the Gynaecology Assessment Unit immediately.
Who do I contact if I have any concerns?
For help and advice, phone the GAU at the hospital where you received treatment. You will speak to one of the nurses, who will offer you the most appropriate advice.
GAU, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital, Margate
Telephone: 01843 235009
Open 24 hours a day; 7 days a week
GAU, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford
Telephone: 01233 633331 extension 723-4257
Open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
Further information
[Web site last accessed 7 August 2026]
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