Before you remove your old catheter valve, make sure you have a new valve ready to be used, out of its sterile pouch and ready to go.

Step 1: Wash and dry your hands. This goes without saying.

Step 2: Drain your bladder fully using the old valve that is currently in place. Give your bladder time to fully empty before jumping to step 3.

Step 3: Before removing the old valve, pinch the end of the catheter using your thumb and forefinger, near the point where the valve is inside the catheter.

Step 4: Keep pressure on the end of the catheter with your thumb and forefinger and swiftly remove the old valve. When doing this ensure you are supporting the catheter and not putting tension on the catheter inside your bladder/urethra. Once the old catheter valve is removed, immediately replace with the new valve.

Step 5: Dispose of the old valve as recommended by your nurse.

Step 6: Wash and dry your hands. This is really important.