How bad does it hurt to get a catheter put in? Separating myth from reality

September 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Catheterization is one of the most common medical procedures, but anxiety over the process is a shared concern for many patients. So, how bad does it hurt to get a catheter put in? Most people report a sensation of pressure and brief discomfort rather than intense or sharp pain, thanks to careful medical techniques and numbing agents.

Quick Summary

The sensation of having a catheter inserted typically involves pressure and brief discomfort, not intense pain. Healthcare professionals use lubrication and anesthetic gel to reduce sensation, and while individual experiences vary based on factors like anatomy, it is a manageable process with careful technique.

Key Points

Expect Pressure, Not Intense Pain: Most patients feel a sensation of pressure and a brief, sharp feeling, not prolonged or severe pain.
Anesthetic Gel is Key: Healthcare providers use numbing gel to significantly reduce discomfort during the procedure.
Anxiety Can Increase Sensation: Relaxing and using breathing techniques can help minimize the perception of pain.
Operator Skill Matters Most: The expertise of the medical professional is the biggest factor in a smooth and low-discomfort insertion.
Discomfort Subsides Quickly: Once inserted, any initial irritation or sensation of pressure typically fades within a few hours as the body adjusts.
Communicate with Your Doctor: Always inform your healthcare provider of any severe or persistent pain, as this could indicate a problem.

Understanding the Catheter Insertion Process

For many, the fear of the unknown is the most significant source of anxiety regarding catheterization. By understanding the process, you can better prepare yourself for what to expect. A urinary catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the bladder to drain urine. The process is performed by a trained healthcare professional, and the key to minimizing discomfort is their skillful and gentle approach.

The Patient's Experience: Pressure vs. Pain

It's important to distinguish between pressure, discomfort, and actual pain. During catheter insertion, the body's natural reflex is to tense up, which can heighten sensation. Medical staff will advise you to relax and breathe deeply. You will likely feel a sensation of fullness or pressure as the catheter is guided into place, but a professional's technique and the use of lubricating gel greatly minimize any sharp or severe pain. For men, the longer urethra can mean a slightly longer sensation of pressure, while for women, the insertion is more direct. In both cases, the goal is a swift and smooth process.

Factors That Influence the Level of Discomfort

The experience of getting a catheter put in can vary from person to person. Several factors contribute to how a patient perceives the procedure:

Patient's Anatomy: The unique anatomy of a patient's urethra can influence the experience. Any pre-existing urethral strictures or blockages can increase difficulty and discomfort.
Type of Catheter: Different types of catheters, such as straight catheters for single use or Foley catheters for long-term use, have slightly different insertion profiles. Straight catheters are often smaller in diameter.
Operator Skill: A skilled and experienced healthcare provider is crucial. Their gentle technique, proper positioning, and use of lubrication are the most important elements in ensuring a low-pain procedure.
Anxiety Levels: High anxiety can increase muscle tension and heighten the perception of pain. Open communication with the medical team about your concerns can help manage this.
Pre-existing Conditions: Conditions like an enlarged prostate in men or pelvic organ prolapse in women can make insertion more challenging, but these are considerations the medical team is trained to handle.

Pain Management and Minimizing Discomfort

Modern medicine employs several strategies to ensure getting a catheter put in is as comfortable as possible.

Lubricating Gel: A sterile, water-based lubricating gel is always used to minimize friction and allow the catheter to slide smoothly. Often, this gel contains a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, which numbs the area, reducing sensation significantly.
Proper Positioning: The healthcare provider will help you get into a position that makes the procedure easiest. For men, this often involves lying on their back, while women are usually on their back with knees bent.
Breathing Techniques: Being instructed to take slow, deep breaths during insertion can help you relax your pelvic floor muscles, making the process smoother.
Verbal Cues: The provider will communicate with you throughout the process, letting you know what to expect and when to breathe. This reduces anxiety and helps you feel more in control.

Comparison of Factors Affecting Discomfort


Factor	Effect on Discomfort	Provider Action to Minimize
Operator Experience	Inexperienced operators may cause more discomfort due to hesitation or improper technique.	Use experienced staff; provide specialized training.
Patient Anxiety	High anxiety increases perceived pain and muscle tension.	Offer clear communication, reassurance, and breathing exercises.
Lubrication Type	Inadequate or non-anesthetic lubrication can increase friction and sensation.	Use liberal amounts of high-quality anesthetic gel.
Urethral Anatomy	A longer or narrower urethra (male) can increase discomfort compared to a shorter urethra (female).	Adapt technique to anatomy; use appropriate catheter size.
Catheter Material	Rigid or low-quality materials can cause more irritation than soft, flexible alternatives.	Use high-quality, flexible silicone or latex catheters.

What Happens After the Catheter is Placed?

Once the catheter is in, the initial discomfort from insertion quickly subsides. Some patients report a persistent feeling of having to urinate or a minor irritation. The catheter's balloon, which holds it in place, can sometimes cause pressure. This feeling usually diminishes within a few hours as the body adjusts. It's important to report any persistent or severe pain, as this could indicate an issue.

Potential Issues to Monitor

While most catheter insertions are uneventful, it's wise to know when to seek medical advice. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

Significant pain that doesn't subside.
Urine leakage around the catheter.
No urine drainage in the bag.
Fever or chills, which could indicate an infection.
Blood in the urine that is persistent or excessive.
Signs of allergic reaction, such as rash or swelling.

Conclusion: A Realistic Perspective

So, how bad does it hurt to get a catheter put in? The reality is that for most patients, it's a quick, manageable procedure that causes more anxiety than actual pain. With skilled healthcare providers, modern lubrication techniques, and an understanding of the process, the experience is typically brief and the discomfort is minimal. Knowing that pressure and mild irritation are normal, but severe pain is not, can help you feel more prepared and confident. For comprehensive information on catheterization, you can explore resources from reputable health organizations like the Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Due to the longer urethra, men may experience the sensation of pressure for a longer duration. However, the use of anesthetic gels and modern techniques means that while there's a difference in sensation, it does not necessarily mean more pain.

In most cases, a catheter is inserted while the patient is awake and able to cooperate. This allows the healthcare provider to get feedback and adjust if necessary, ensuring a safer and more comfortable procedure.

After insertion, many people report a feeling of pressure in the bladder or a slight urge to urinate. This usually subsides as you get used to the catheter. It should not be intensely painful.

Healthcare professionals use several methods, including sterile lubricating gel that often contains a local anesthetic. They also use gentle techniques and give you instructions to help you relax, which is crucial for a smooth process.

You should discuss any concerns with your medical team. While local anesthetic gel is standard, you can express your anxiety and ask if other options, such as a mild sedative, are appropriate for your situation.

A brief, sharp, or stinging sensation can occur as the catheter passes through the urethra, but it should be momentary. If the feeling persists or is very intense, you should inform the medical staff immediately.

For both types, discomfort is similar during insertion. The main difference is the duration. A straight catheter insertion is a single, brief event, while a Foley catheter insertion involves inflating a small balloon inside the bladder, which can create a feeling of pressure that then subsides.