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Intermittent Self-Catheterization (Female)

Section 7: Monitoring your output

In this section, you’ll learn about:

How to keep track of how much urine (pee) you get with the catheter.
How to use a log sheet to monitor your output.

Keeping track of the amount of urine

When you first start intermittent self-catheterization (ISC), you may be asked to track how much you void (pee) on your own and how much urine you get with the catheter (the post-void residual). This is called monitoring your output. You’ll need to note this information every time you do ISC and tell your healthcare provider. Bring the information with you to your follow-up appointment.

To track your output, follow these steps:

Use a container to collect your urine when you void on your own. You can use a large measuring cup, a measuring hat, or an ice cream or margarine container.
Write down how often you void and how much urine you are able to void yourself.
After you void on your own, you will need to catheterize yourself. See Section 5: Steps for doing ISC for step-by-step instructions on how to catheterize yourself. Again, collect this urine into a container.
Write down how often you do ISC and how much urine you get when you catheterize yourself.
Wash the container and your hands when you’ve finished.

When you’re more comfortable and confident with ISC, you may be able to stop keeping track. Your healthcare provider will tell you when you can stop monitoring your output.

There are also many apps that can help you track your output.

Current as of: September 26, 2023

Author: Women’s Health, Alberta Health Services

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This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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