Care & recovery · Tubes
Urinary (Foley) Catheter Care
A urinary catheter lets your bladder drain while you recover. Looking after it well comes down to three things: good hygiene, keeping urine flowing freely, and knowing the warning signs.
What it is
A Foley catheter is a soft, flexible tube passed through the urethra into the bladder. A small water-filled balloon holds it in place inside, and urine drains continuously down the tube into a collection bag.
Why you have it
It may be needed after surgery, when the bladder can't empty on its own, to keep the bladder empty while something heals, or to measure urine output accurately during recovery.
Day-to-day care
- Keep the bag below your bladder at all times — sitting, standing, walking and sleeping. Urine should always flow downhill; a bag lifted above the bladder lets urine flow back, which invites infection.
- Never let the bag rest on the floor. Hang it on the bed frame or a stand, or use a leg bag strapped to your thigh during the day.
- Keep the tube free of kinks and loops so urine drains freely. Coil any spare length on the bed rather than letting it dangle below the bag.
- Wash your hands before and after touching the catheter or bag.
- Clean where the tube enters the body once or twice a day with mild soap and water, washing gently from the body outward. A daily shower is fine and helps.
- Empty the bag when it's about two-thirds full — don't let it overfill. Open the tap into the toilet or a clean container without letting the tap touch anything, then close and wipe it.
- Swap to a larger bag at night if you've been given one, so you're not woken to empty it, and drink plenty of fluids through the day (unless your team has restricted them) to keep urine flowing and dilute.
- Anchor the tube to your thigh or abdomen with a strap or tape so it isn't tugged — pulling hurts and irritates the bladder.
When to call your team
- No urine has drained for 2–4 hours, or the bag stays empty even though you feel full — the catheter may be blocked.
- Urine is leaking around the catheter rather than draining through it.
- Fever, chills, shivering, or pain in your lower back or side — signs of a urine infection.
- Urine turns cloudy, foul-smelling, or contains blood or clots.
- Burning, stinging, or bladder pain and spasms that don't settle.
- The catheter falls out, or you can see a length of tube that wasn't showing before.
Frequently asked questions
Can I shower with a catheter?
Yes — a daily shower actually helps keep the area clean. Gently wash around where the tube enters with soap and water and pat dry. Avoid baths if your team has advised against them, and keep any leg-bag straps comfortable, not tight.
Why is there blood or pink colour in my urine?
A faint pink tinge can happen, especially soon after surgery or if the catheter tugs. Drinking more fluid usually clears it. Call your team if the urine is bright red, has clots, or the catheter stops draining.
How do I switch between the leg bag and the night bag?
Most night bags connect to the bottom tap of the leg bag, so you don't break the sealed system. Your nurse will show you the exact steps — keeping that connection clean is the key point.
Is some leakage around the catheter normal?
Occasional small leaks (called bypassing) can happen with bladder spasms or constipation. If it's frequent, or the bag isn't filling, the catheter may be blocked — contact your team.