Foley cath and Impotence??

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

just wondering if any of the patients you've catherized have complained of erectile disfunction following discontinuation of a foley? i had a male patient who used viagra and flirted like mad with everyone; who had a stroke and he had or family had refused catherization...now considering that one can loose sensation with a cva this could lead to rupture of the bladder a serious sequela to the refusing of a foley.

[leslie :-D]

just wondering if any of the patients you've catherized have complained of erectile disfunction following discontinuation of a foley? i had a male patient who used viagra and flirted like mad with everyone; who had a stroke and he had or family had refused catherization...now considering that one can loose sensation with a cva this could lead to rupture of the bladder a serious sequela to the refusing of a foley.

i don't think i'm following your post.

was your pt (who uses viagra) complaining of erectile dysfunction s/p catheterization, and that's why he refused a second catheterization?

even though the gu system is tied together, the act of erection and urination are completely different.

the detrusor muscle is involved with the urge to urinate.

stimulation, testosterone and the autonomic nervous system are involved in the makings of an erection.

if your pt is having problems with urinary retention and is refusing catheterization, you can reassure him that this procedure (catheterizing) has little to do with erectile dysfunction.

he's taking viagra for a reason, yes?

sounds like he needs a lot of reassurance and education.

best of luck.

leslie

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

Yes, education is key...thanks for your input. And this patient did not complain of erectile dysfunction following catherization...only scared of potential problems related to its use.

[elizabeth321]

I have looked after patients that have had things in their urethra much more insulting than a foley cath....it does not affect erectile function.

Liz