First, check that the tubing is not kinked, twisted or trapped underneath you. Make sure your drainage bag is positioned below the level of your bladder and that the tubing can drain freely.

If there is still little or no urine draining, particularly if you have bladder pain, pressure, abdominal swelling or feel unwell. Seek clinical advice promptly, as your catheter may be blocked.

Urine leaking around the catheter is often called bypassing. It can happen for several reasons, including constipation, bladder spasms, a blocked catheter or problems with catheter drainage.

Persistent or significant leakage should be assessed rather than simply assuming that a larger catheter is required.

If an indwelling or suprapubic catheter falls out unexpectedly, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

A suprapubic catheter can require particularly urgent attention because the tract may begin to close after the catheter is removed. Do not attempt to reinsert a catheter yourself unless you have been specifically trained and instructed to do so.

A small amount of blood can sometimes occur following catheter insertion, a catheter change or irritation of the urinary tract.

However, ongoing bleeding, bright-red urine, blood clots, reduced drainage, significant pain or feeling unwell requires medical assessment.

Not necessarily. People with long-term urinary catheters commonly develop bacteria in their urine, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine alone does not necessarily mean you have a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Symptoms such as fever, chills, new bladder or kidney-area pain, or feeling significantly unwell should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Unless your healthcare professional has advised you to restrict your fluids, maintaining adequate hydration can help support urine flow and catheter drainage.

Your individual fluid requirements may vary depending on your health, medications and medical conditions, so follow any personalised advice you have been given.

Generally, yes. Most people can shower while wearing a urinary catheter.

Good everyday hygiene is important. Gently wash around the catheter entry area with water and your usual mild cleansing routine, and avoid unnecessarily pulling or tugging on the catheter.

Routine daily hygiene is generally sufficient, as well as cleaning following bowel movements or whenever the area becomes soiled.

There is usually no need for harsh antiseptics or excessive cleaning unless specifically recommended by your healthcare professional.

In many cases, yes. Having a catheter does not necessarily mean giving up normal activities.

Make sure the catheter and drainage tubing are well secured, avoid pulling or excessive tension, and discuss strenuous exercise or activities that may interfere with your catheter with your healthcare professional.

Absolutely. Many people successfully work, travel and maintain an active lifestyle while using a catheter.

Planning ahead helps. Take sufficient catheter supplies, spare drainage equipment and any relevant medical information with you, particularly when travelling away from your usual healthcare providers.

A catheter valve connects to an indwelling catheter and allows urine to be stored in the bladder and emptied intermittently rather than continuously draining into a bag.

Catheter valves are not suitable for everyone, so they should be used following assessment and advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

There is no single catheter-change schedule that is appropriate for everyone.

The frequency depends on factors including the type and material of catheter, manufacturer's recommendations, your individual clinical needs and your healthcare provider's instructions.

Repeated catheter blockage can have several causes, including encrustation, debris, inadequate drainage and individual urinary factors.

Recurring blockages deserve proper assessment. A continence nurse or other healthcare professional can review your catheter history and help develop an individual management plan.

A catheter may cause some temporary discomfort, particularly following insertion or a catheter change, but persistent or significant pain should not simply be accepted as part of having a catheter.

Pain can have several causes and should be assessed if it continues, becomes severe or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Seek prompt medical assessment if you experience little or no urine drainage with increasing bladder or abdominal pain, significant bleeding or blood clots, severe pain, fever or chills with feeling unwell, or if your catheter unexpectedly falls out.

If you are seriously unwell or believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek emergency medical assistance.