Clean Intermittent Self-Dilatation
Personalised nurse-led training to help you learn safe, effective, and independent bladder emptying techniques.
Clean Intermittent Self-Dilatation (CISD) is a procedure that involves gently inserting a urethral catheter or dilator into the urethra and removing it shortly after. This helps to keep the urethra open (patent) — usually following a surgical procedure performed to widen a narrowed urethra.
To ensure safety and correct timing for your CISD training:
Please provide a letter from your Urologist or GP confirming that you require self-dilatation training.
The letter should also specify how many days after your surgery the session should take place.
A trained nurse will guide you step-by-step through the self-dilatation technique, ensuring comfort and confidence.
You will be shown how to perform the procedure safely and hygienically, using the correct equipment.
The session will include advice on frequency, cleaning, and lubrication to maintain urethral health.
Bleeding during or after insertion
Pain or discomfort during dilatation
Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by improper hygiene
Difficulty or failed catheterisation/dilatation due to urethral obstruction
- Important: We Do Not Provide Emergency Care
- significant bleeding
- difficulty or inability to pass urine
- symptoms of sepsis
- severe pain
- any other serious or rapidly worsening symptoms
Call 999
If it is a life-threatening emergency.
Call NHS 111
For urgent medical advice and guidance
Attend A&E
If advised by NHS 111