An overview of male intermittent self-catheterisation

Since the early 1970s intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) has become increasingly popular and is now considered the method of choice for draining retained urine from the bladder and to treat urethral strictures in men. It is the preferred option for this kind of bladder dysfunction management instead of an indwelling urinary catheter. Learning ISC can be a challenging time for men, but with the support of knowledgeable experienced nurses in teaching ISC it can be successfully achieved. This article outlines the anatomy of the male urinary tract, offers practical tips for nurses who teach it, and highlights issues important to men when learning and living with ISC.