Urinary catheterization is the insertion of a catheter through the urethra into the urinary bladder for withdrawal of urine.

Urinary catheterization is the insertion of a catheter through the urethra into the urinary bladder for withdrawal of urine.

Urinary catheterization should be avoided whenever possible. Clean intermittent catheterization, when practical, is preferable to long-term catheterization.

Because urinary catheterization carries a risk of causing urinary tract infection (UTI), precautions should be used to keep the catheter clean and free of bacteria.

Antibiotics may be prescribed as a preventative measure in long-term urinary catheterization patients who are at risk for urinary tract infection.