Spina Bifida & Self-Catheterization
Spina bifida is a condition in which a fetus’s spine doesn’t form properly during the first month of pregnancy. Children born with spina bifida may have varying degrees of disabilities including paralyzation, neurological delays, and bladder and bowel dysfunction.
Spina Bifida Treatment
Spina bifida treatment can’t cure the condition, but it can make life safer and simpler for those who suffer from this condition or care for someone with spina bifida. The most common spina bifida treatment is self-catheterization. Female and male self-catheterization is very similar since, in both cases, the catheter is inserted into the urethra to drain the urine from the bladder into a drainage bag or toilet. The urine must drain completely to prevent a bladder infection or urinary tract infection (UTI).
In some cases, spina bifida may prevent your child’s bladder from growing as they age and may require surgery.
Spina Bifida in Children
One of the most common symptoms of spina bifida is trouble controlling the bladder, which can lead to urinary retention or incontinence. When your child is young, you will have to use a catheter to ensure that their bladder is emptied several times a day, but as they grow, they will need the independence of learning self-catheterization.
Many children are ready to learn between the ages of 5 and 7, but you know your child best. You will have to watch for cues indicating they are ready for self-catheterization, such as dexterity, cognitive and visual skills. One of the most important things for them to learn is how to keep their hands, catheter, and urethra clean throughout the process.
Spina Bifida Occulta
Not all people with spina bifida require catheters. In fact, not all people even know they have it. Spina bifida occulta is when there is a small hole in your vertebrae, but no spinal fluid has escaped. This usually has no symptoms, even though it affects up to 10% of people.
Self-catheterization Male and Female
Despite the different anatomy, self-catheterization for boys and girls is almost the same. The most important thing is to make sure your environment and tools are clean. It is also important to know that many spina bifida patients are allergic to latex. You will want to check your child to see if they have a latex allergy and to ensure the products they will use do not contain latex if they have that allergy.
Self-catheterization:
Male
Boys with spina bifida can use catheters standing or sitting at the toilet, depending on their abilities and comfort level. For male self-catheterization, wash your hands, clean the urethral opening, insert the catheter, and let the urine drain into the toilet. Once the urine stops flowing, remove the catheter slowly to ensure your bladder has drained completely. Dispose of the used catheter and wash your hands.
Self-catheterization:
Female
Girls with spina bifida can use catheters standing or sitting at the toilet, depending on their abilities and comfort level. Keeping your hands and catheter clean is even more important for girls because females are at a higher risk of getting UTIs. Wash your hands, insert the catheter, and let the urine drain completely. Remove the catheter slowly to drain any remaining urine, then dispose of the catheter and wash your hands.