Hi, So, I'm no medical expert, but am male, and have been using catheters for years now. I'll try to address you points, will add some information where I can, but if you have further questions let me know and I'll do my best. Unless different in your area, the training was a theory only exercise using pictures for me. I didn't have to stand in my own kitchen being talked through how to do it. Sounds obvious, but was a concern I had at the time. Regarding UTI's, yes I've experienced them, to my knowledge these are less frequent in men than women. I think I've had 3 maybe 4 at most in the last 6 maybe 7 years. Only one of those wasn't cleared with just 1 course of antibiotics. The other 1, did need 2 courses, but was cleared up quickly. Obvious procedures to minimise risk, keep your hands and penis clean, and if you have the option of using a catheatre with a sliding sheath (not sure of the wording there) then take it. They are a lot easier to handle without having to touch any bit that goes into your body. I started once a day, but now have to do it several times a day, but it is probably the best thing that has happened to me on my MS journey. I don't have leaks, I don't have to get up 4 or 5 times a night, I can plan my toilet breaks as I know (unless I'm drinking a lot) I will have 2-4 hours when I won't need the loo. It now takes me no time at all, but granted it did used to take me approx 5mins when I first started. If the bladder doesn't empty, my understanding is that you are much more likely to get infections simply because your body hasn't got rid of the waste products that would normally pass through wee. Having an empty bladder after carrying around (in my case) 500-650 ml of wee that I simply couldn't pass was a real relief. No pun. intended. Drinking plenty is healthy generally (not alcohol obviously) so being able to manage your bladder soon comes naturally and is an obvious good indication due to the colour how de-hydrated you may be. I genuinely feel catheter use has proved liberating in my case. A few tips: * Before you start to try using a catheter always try to wee as it helps relax the muscles making the progress easier. * When inserting, try to be as relaxed as possible down there, deep breathing helps me, and when inserting it, push it in very slowly, you are not filling a car with Unleaded here. * If it won't go in, don't force it. I have in the past, it never works, and can cause bleeding in my case. * If you have tried, and then removed it - don't try to use it again. Throw it away and try another one. * if it simply will not go in, try pulling it back a few mm, then rotate it slightly and try again., This sometimes helps me. * You will feel it pass through your prostate, and may even feel it pop into the bladder. It isn't painful, just feels a bit weird until you get used to it. * As soon as it gets into the bladder your wee will come out, so be ready to safe having to clear the floor etc. * Try to keep the boxes flat rather than stood on the end if the catheter type is self lubricated. I learnt this the hard way with dry catheters being rather uncomfortable. Now I use one with a small water bag which you burst before opening it. These have been better for me, your preference may be different of course. * Try to find a bag to carry them without folding, or creasing them. Trying to use one with a crease in it isn't easy, not impossible, but definitely not easy. * Don't be afraid about different types and sizes, work out what is best for you - the medical staff can offer advice here, they deal with lots of people, I just have my experience to go on. I'm sure you will be fine, I was $hit scared, but now looking back, I don't know why I was. Anyway - hope that helps a little.

A good answer above. I've been using compact catheters for about 10 years now and since bladder botox therapy (my bladder was too small as well as not emptying) I've been completely dependent on them, using them 6 to 8 times daily. I don't think I've had a single UTI since I started using them. The trick, as mentioned already, is to keep hydrated and that should wash any bugs out of your system. A urology nurse (female) came round to the house and talked me through using them the first time, which was initially a bit embarrassing, but maybe for only a second or two. Just remind yourself they work in urology, so they've seen it all before. The videos the catheter company email you are a bit excruciating to watch, though so be prepared to cringe if you play them. It is a big game changer though. You will be glad you did it. So long as you remember to take a few out with you, or stash them in useful places like a drawer at work, or the boot of your car it'll improve your quality of life no end. Good luck!