Is urinary incontinence a valid indication for catheterization?

Catheterization is typically not indicated solely for the management of urinary incontinence. While urinary incontinence can be a challenging condition to manage, the standard approach focuses on non-invasive strategies such as behavioral therapies, pelvic floor exercises, medications, or other treatments tailored to the individual’s needs. The primary purpose of catheterization is to relieve urinary retention, facilitate accurate measurements of urinary output, or assist in surgical procedures rather than to manage incontinence.

Resorting to catheterization for incontinence may lead to complications such as urinary tract infections or discomfort. Therefore, catheterization is a tool that should be used judiciously and is not considered a standard treatment for urinary incontinence unless there are specific indications that warrant its use. This reinforces the idea that other management options should be explored first before considering catheterization.