What is clean intermittent catheterization?

Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is a procedure for people who have trouble urinating the “normal” way. In a CIC procedure, you insert a catheter, a thin, hollow tube, into your bladder to help you urinate.

People who need to perform CIC include those who have certain medical conditions, including:

  • Stroke
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Spinal surgeries
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Trauma/accidents
  • Central nervous system tumors
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Heavy metal poisoning

If you have to perform CIC, you will be inserting and removing the catheter several times a day; your doctor will tell you how many times. By performing this procedure every day, you will not have to wear a catheter all the time. In addition, you will help prevent kidney infection and keep your bladder from stretching.

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