What Is Speedy Catheter For?

What sexual prognosis can a male expect after pulling out his catheter?

• My grandfather had an operation and had a temporary catheter installed. He was informed that only have a medical professional should remove it because a balloon is created inside the opening of the bladder. Or I think the balloon is inside the bladder? While recovering in ICU, he was not aware of what he was doing and pulled the catheter out on his own. There was a pool of blood by his hospital bed, but I have not been able to obtain info on what damage this may have done to his urinal/penal tract. Can this prevent him from being sexually active again, or what else could possibly happen to him? My grandma is very concerned and worried that their love life is over, is there hope?

• Answer:

  I have never seen a patient with this concern, so I am guessing based on my knowledge of anatomy. There could be damage to the sphincter at the bladder neck and/or prostatic urethra. This might allow for urinary leakage during intercourse (and other times), which would be a little annoying. Overall I wouldn't be too worried though. Just give it time to heal (definitely no sex for a while). Although I have never had a patient that pulled out his Foley catheter, I've heard of it happening and I don't think it is that uncommon. Erectile dysfunction is not an issue. That is caused by nerve and/or blood vessel compromise--which are completely unrelated to the inside of his urinary tract.