You may be apprehensive about going out and about and needing to perform ISC in public places but, the important thing to remember, is that ISC is designed to put you back in control of your bladder and not let your bladder control you!
It is understandable that you may have concerns and this article will look to address these concerns so that you have catheter confidence and can live your life freely.
One concern is having access to a toilet in order to catheterise when out and about. However, there are thought to be around 3,300 public toilets in the UK and many places where you would choose to socialise such as bars, restaurants, shopping centres and arenas will all have toileting facilities.
You can check what facilities there are in advance by checking the venues website or giving them a call or my using useful tools such as “Toilet Map” online.
Availability of public toilets is one thing, cleanliness is another and not something you can pre-empt. All you can do is take the steps you can to maintain as clean and hygienic environment as possible.
Firstly, ensure you wash your hands with soap and water. It is a good idea to have some hand gel with you so that you can sanitise again once you are in the toilet stall and have touched the door handle/lock. If possible, carry some sanitising wipes so that you can give the toilet a wipe down before performing ISC. Afterwards, ensure you wash your hands with soap and water again.
You might be worried that you may dribble urine on yourself whilst performing ISC. Tips to mitigate this concern would be to wear dark clothes so that any leaks are less noticeable or packing a spare set of clothes whilst you get used to catheterising.
Concerns over a lack of privacy can be a barrier to performing ISC out and about. If you can use an accessible toilet or changing places facility you will have more space and greater privacy.
Choose your catheter carefully, some can go into your pocket or bag and no one need to know you are carrying them, you can just pop off to the toilet as anyone else would. Some individuals will use different catheters for use at home and when away from home, speak to you HCP about this as it is something which may alleviate your concerns, allowing you to live life more freely.
One concern, for males, is what to do with the rubbish? Whilst women have sanitary bins, many men’s cubicles are bin-less. There is a “bins for boys” petition to change this but for now, disposal bags can be used to contain all the waste and then pop discreetly into the main toilet bin.
There is much to consider when needing to perform ISC out of the home, with time and experience this will become less daunting and you will gain confidence in all aspects of your personal life. Try to remain positive, ask for help if required and plan for eventualities just in case.
Category
Bladder
Date
August 18, 2026
