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Intermittent Self-Catheterization (Female)

Section 6: Positions for intermittent self-catheterization (ISC)

Finding what’s right for you

There are different positions you can use to do intermittent self-catheterization (ISC). You may want to try a few of them to see which one works best for you.

Positions to try for ISC


Option 1: Sitting in front of the toilet

Sit in a chair directly in front of a toilet and lean back. Set up a mirror on the back of the toilet rim to help you see what you’re doing.

This position can help you put the catheter in and empty your bladder right into the toilet. If it’s hard to empty into the toilet, have a container in front of you to catch the urine (pee).

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Option 2: Straddling the toilet, facing the wall

Straddle the toilet so that you are facing the back part of the toilet. This way you can put all of your supplies on the toilet tank and empty your bladder directly into the toilet bowl. If you have good balance, you can also do this with 1 foot on the toilet.

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Option 3: Standing over the toilet, facing forward

Stand over the toilet with 1 leg on either side, facing away from the toilet. Empty your bladder into the toilet.

You could also put 1 foot on the toilet if you have good balance.

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Option 4: Lying down

Lie on a bed with your supplies beside you. Keep a towel underneath you. Empty your bladder into a container.

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Option 5: Sitting on the bathtub

Sit on the side of a bathtub with 1 leg in the tub and 1 leg on the floor. Set up a mirror on the side of the bathtub to help you see what you’re doing. This position lets you empty your bladder directly into the tub.

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