If you’ve just had an indwelling catheter fitted, it’s natural to be concerned about how this will affect your routines and lifestyle. If you enjoy playing sports, going for a jog, or even just live a busy life caring for children or grandchildren, you may wonder how your catheter will affect this. 

Or maybe you have been using an indwelling catheter for a while, and want to increase your activity levels, or just move bit more in your day-to-day life. Trying new things with a catheter can be daunting, but we’re here to support you. 

If you’re ever in doubt, or unsure whether you’d be able to participate in any type of physical activity, always consult a Healthcare Professional.

Concerns around exercise causing your catheter to tug or even dislodge your catheter, and anxieties around infection can make exercise feel more difficult, or even impossible. Partaking in exercise with a catheter is entirely possible, but it does require a bit more planning. We’ve outlined some things that might be helpful for you to consider when planning exercise, and some things that you can do to ease your concerns and anxieties.

Catheter fixation

The first thing to ensure when performing any kind of movement with a catheter is that it is both comfortable and properly secured.. This means that your catheter is attached to your body securely, and there is no risk of it pulling, or moving around uncomfortably. This means that you will be able to exercise safely, without discomfort. Also, knowing that your catheter is properly fixated will provide you with peace of mind, and allow you to exercise without thinking about your catheter more than you need to.

There are a few different types of fixation devices you can choose from, depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Most people will use a combination of fixation devices to achieve the right level of comfort, it’s all about what’s right for you. Trial and error can be helpful in establishing what you personally find the comfortable and secure for doing different activities.

You can learn more about different fixation devices here.

Can I go for a run with a catheter?

The short answer is yes. We would always recommend speaking to your Healthcare Professional before trying any new exercise, and if they agree, and your catheter is properly fixated – absolutely you can!

One thing to keep in mind with running, and really any other strenuous exercise you may want to take part in, it that it is best to go slow and steady to begin with. Take it easy on yourself, and keep in touch with how you feel, both physically and mentally.

When you first start exercising after having a catheter fitted, it’s key that you reintroduce exercise slowly. You might find it helpful to start with more gentle exercises like walking or yoga.

You may also find it reassuring to monitor your hydration before and after your run. Some people experiencing incontinence report that they feel tempted to limit their water intake before going out, but staying hydrated when exercising is extremely important, as you will lose a lot of water through sweating. If you’re unsure about how much water you need to consume to stay hydrated throughout exercise, your Healthcare Professional will be able to guide you.

Can I swim with a catheter?

 The most likely issue that can come of swimming with a catheter is infection. Because of this, we strongly recommend that you speak to a Healthcare Professional if you are thinking of swimming with your catheter.

If you have spoken with a Healthcare Professional, and they have agreed that swimming would be a suitable form of exercise for you, the most important thing for you to consider going forward is hygiene. Ensure that you only swim in water that is treated with chlorine and avoid swimming in rivers or lakes. You should also ensure that you thoroughly clean off any of the water that you’ve swam in afterwards in the shower or bath.

While swimming, you may find it helpful to switch to a smaller drainage bag, such as the Ugo 6C, which can allow for more movement and, if you wanted to keep your catheter bag concealed, you may find it easier to do so.

Altogether, there is no reason why your catheter should stop you from enjoying your normal leisure activities or exercise routine, or from trying something new. The most important thing is to plan ahead, ensure proper fixation, prioritise hydration and hygiene, and consult a Healthcare Professional for support.