Women's Excellence in
Bladder Control Tips

Intermittent self-catheterization (IC) is a safe procedure that can help bring your urinary symptoms under control. Many people self-catheterize and report that it has improved their quality of life. It will allow you to completely empty your bladder at regular intervals, protect your kidneys from infection and damage, lower the risk of distending (stretching) the bladder, and eliminate the need for wearing a continuously draining catheter. There are different kinds of catheters. Learn about them, discussing options with your provider.

General Instructions:

• Gather equipment needed: Mirror (for women to locate opening of urethra), Bath soap and clean towel, Water soluble lubricant such as KY Jelly®, New sterile catheter
• Arrange your clothing so it is not in the way.
• Attempt to urinate on your own. Even if you are able to urinate a large amount, there may still be some urine in the bladder that must be emptied to prevent infection. Proceed as instructed by your provider.
• Wash your hands with regular bath soap and water. Wash the area of your urethral opening known as the perineal area (from front to back) with bath soap and water. Antiseptic wipes such as baby wipes may be used when away from home. Refrain from using these wipes for daily perineal care.
• Open catheter packaging.
• Open lubricant tube, and apply a generous amount of lubricant to the first few inches of the catheter. Lubricant can be purchased at most drugstores. The lubricant must be water soluble – DO NOT USE Petrolatum based products such as VASELINE®! Bacteria can “stick” to this type of lubricant and possibly cause a bladder infection.
• Sit on toilet, or firm surface, and lean back.

Women:

• Slightly spread legs apart for ease in inserting the catheter. Using the hand you will not be using to hold the catheter, spread your vaginal lips (labia) apart, both outer and inner parts.
• Identify your clitoris, urinary opening, and vaginal opening using a mirror or by feeling the area.
• (see diagram 1: Female Anatomy)
• Slightly spread legs apart for ease in inserting the catheter. Using the hand you will not be using to hold the catheter, spread your vaginal lips (labia) apart, both outer and inner parts.
• Identify your clitoris, urinary opening, and vaginal opening using a mirror or by feeling the area.
• Pick up the lubricated catheter with the other hand. Hold it like a pencil about 2”-3” from its tip, and insert tip straight (or upward) into urinary opening, allowing the other end to hang down between your legs into a basin or toilet.
• Gently thread the catheter 3”-4” into the bladder until you see urine flow into the basin or toilet. Then gently thread it another 1/2”-1” into bladder.  Note: If the catheter enters the vagina instead of the urinary opening, withdraw the catheter, wash it with soap and water, vigorously rinse the catheter lumen (tube) with tap water to remove vaginal mucus, dry it, and start again.
• Hold catheter in place and allow urine to continue draining until it stops completely.
• Gently remove the catheter from the bladder. Wipe yourself with tissue from front to back, and throw away the used catheter.
• Pick up the lubricated catheter with the other hand. Hold it like a pencil about 2”-3” from its tip, and insert tip straight (or upward) into urinary opening, allowing the other end to hang down between your legs into a basin or toilet.
• Gently thread the catheter 3”-4” into the bladder until you see urine flow into the basin or toilet. Then gently thread it another 1/2”-1” into bladder.  Note: If the catheter enters the vagina instead of the urinary opening, withdraw the catheter, wash it with soap and water, vigorously rinse the catheter lumen (tube) with tap water to remove vaginal mucus, dry it, and start again.
• Hold catheter in place and allow urine to continue draining until it stops completely.
• Gently remove the catheter from the bladder. Wipe yourself with tissue from front to back, and throw away the used catheter.

Women should always urinate after sex to rid the urethra of any type of bacteria that might have come into contact during intercourse.

Women’s Excellence has found that the elimination of acidic and caffeinated beverages after 7pm (or later in the evening depending on one’s normal bedtime) will help the risk of voiding during the night time. Drinking water, in moderation, at night is okay and also helps dilute the urine which helps reduce irritation or pain.

Natural Remedies for Interstitial Cystitis Patients

Desert Harvest Aloe Vera or IC Aloe Vera

• Works like Elmiron to restore the bladder lining
• Minimal side effects
• Reduces inflammation, minimizes infection and treats pain
• Recommended dose: 1-2 tablets 3 times a day for the first 3 months, then reduce dose
• Must be whole leaf-do not use substitutes
• Can be taken safely with Elmiron and Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM

Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM

• Works like Elmiron to restore the bladder lining
• Reduces Inflammation
• Reduces the allergic response (controls mast cells)
• Can be taken safely with Elmiron and Aloe Vera
• Recommended dose: 1 tablet 3 times a day with meals

Pumpkin Seed Oil

• Relieves bladder spasms, strengthens bladder muscles, increases bladder capacity to hold urine, improves bladder emptying, and reduces residual urine left in the bladder after voiding
• No side effects
• Recommended dose: 1 capsule per day anytime with additional capsules taken as needed for bladder spasms

Marshmallow Root Tea and Capsules

• Thought to coat and soothe the bladder
• Use as directed

Calcium Citrate

• Helps neutralize oxalates in the urine that could contribute to vulvodynia (vulvar irritation and pain)
• Recommended dose: 1 capsules 3 times a day on an empty stomach

IC Diet

• Low acid/low potassium diet

Low Oxalate Diet

• A diet that discourages high oxalate foods that may contribute to vulvodynia

Alkaline Diet

• A diet that encourages green foods and neutral pH water (Fiji, Evian, Artesian, Mineral) to create more alkaline urine and decrease IC symptoms

Fish Oil

• Fights inflammation in the body

Probiotics

• Taken daily
• Promotes immune system health and digestive health

Moducare

• Promotes a balanced immune system

Prelief

• An over-the-counter acid reducer
• No prescription needed but pharmacy may need order
• Take as directed with meals to neutralize acid from foods

Baking soda and water

• Do not use if you have or are being treated for high blood pressure
• May take ½ teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a glass of water to help acute symptoms
• Alkaline’s urine making it less irritating to the bladder, reducing symptoms