How long can a catheter stay in? 

The duration a catheter can remain in place depends on the type: 

– Intermittent catheters are removed and disposed of after each use. 

– Indwelling (Foley) catheters can stay in for up to 4 weeks, but should be removed as soon as medically possible to reduce infection risk.

– Suprapubic catheters may be used long-term, but require regular changes every 4-12 weeks, with 4-8 weeks being most common. 

Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on catheter duration.