Tips for Caring for Your Urological Leg Bag

Even though most catheters aren’t permanent, some are. The ones that stay inserted at all times need to connect to an outside container for urine storage. In many cases, this compartment is a leg bag. Like all medical products, you’ll need to make sure it stays in good condition. That’s why we’ve put together some tips about what you should do to care for your urological bag. That way, it’ll last as long as possible.

Drain It Regularly

One of the main benefits of a permanent catheter is the fact that you don’t have to empty it after each use. However, since leg bags need to be discrete and help you stay mobile, they won’t have the capacity of a standard night bag. That means you’ll still need to drain it frequently throughout the day.

Obviously, this will depend on how often you go, but most manufacturers recommend every two to three hours. You never want the bag to fill up completely. This will make it too heavy, causing it to slip down your leg and put unnecessary strain on your catheter. To avoid this issue, emptying the bag around the half-full mark should keep it at a manageable weight.

Change the Bag When Required

Unfortunately, no leg bag is permanent. Most options are made for week-long usage. Some will last longer, but those types aren’t as common. When the brand-recommended expiration date comes up, you need to use a new bag.

Luckily, catheter leg bags aren’t expensive, and they’re pretty easy to replace. All you have to do is remove the old one from the catheter nozzle, throw it out, clean off the nozzle, and attach a new one. If you try to prolong the life of your leg bag, you’ll risk potential leaks, since they weren’t made to last that long.

Clean the Bag As Needed

Regardless of the leg bag you use, the most important tip for caring for this piece of equipment is to clean it regularly. You should wash the outside of the bag almost every day. At the very least, clean it each time you shower. The most vital section of the bag to clean is where it comes into contact with your leg. Your sweat and natural oils will build up there, making it a breeding ground for bacteria. Washing this area with standard hand soap or skin cleaners should do the trick.

If you have long-term leg bags or reusable ones, you’ll need to clean their insides. If this is required by the bag brand you use, the manufacturer will have instructions detailing how to clean the interior. Most of the time, you can use vinegar or bleach diluted with water. These chemicals will help reduce unpleasant odors and chances of infection.