Comparatve study between self catheterisation with a silicone catheter and a stainless steel catheter assessing bladder infection rate in female patients who are self catheterising.

This study has been designed is to compare the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI) in 50 female patients who need to self catheterise to properly empty their bladders. Participants in this study will be monitored for a 3 month period for frequency of UTIs, ease of use and continence specific quality of life while using the Nelaton silicone catheter, followed by a 3 month study period using a surgical stainless steel catheter assessing the same parameters for intermittent self catheterising. During the 6 month study peroid, participants will be asked to keep a urinary diary and they will be monitored closely for urinary tract infection (UTI). If a participant develops symptoms of UTI, a urine sample will be obtained and sent for urinalysis. If positive they will be commenced on appriopriate antibiotics and a decision will be made whether the patient needs to be withdrawn from the study. At the end of the study, each participant will be asked to complete a patient satisfaction survery and continence specific quality of life questionnaire.