What is the purpose of female catheterization?

Female catheterization is aimed at assisting a woman with urinary difficulties to pass urine, according to MedlinePlus. It entails the placement of a catheter (narrow tubing) through the urethra to the bladder.

Catheterization is performed in cases of: urinary retention when the patient can’t urinate naturally; urinary incontinence or leakage; or, in case of a surgery which disrupted the urinary system, according to MedlinePlus.The urine drains from the urinary bladder through the catheter into the toilet or a special container. Female catheterization can be done at home or in the hospital; constant medical monitoring is essential to detect any potential complications associated with the procedure.