A suprapubic catheter (sometimes called an SPC) is a device that’s inserted into your bladder to drain urine if you can’t urinate on your own.
Normally, a catheter is inserted into your bladder through your urethra, the tube that you usually urinate out of. An SPC is inserted a couple of inches below your navel, or belly button, directly into your bladder, just above your pubic bone. This allows urine to be drained without having a tube going through your genital area.
SPCs are usually more comfortable than regular catheters because they aren’t inserted through your urethra, which is full of sensitive tissue. Your doctor may use an SPC if your urethra isn’t able to safely hold a catheter.
An SPC drains urine directly out of your bladder if you’re not able to urinate by yourself. Some conditions that may require you to use a catheter include:
SPC insertion is a short, safe procedure that usually has few complications. Before the insertion, your doctor may recommend taking antibiotics if you’ve had a heart valve replacement or are taking any blood thinners.
Possible minor complications of an SPC insertion include:
An SPC usually stays inserted for four to eight weeks before it needs to be changed or removed. It may be removed sooner if doctor believes that you’re able to urinate on your own again.
To remove an SPC, doctor:
