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Bladder Instillation Therapy: What to Expect at Home

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Your Recovery

A catheter was inserted through your urethra to place fluid and medicines into your bladder.

After the procedure, you may feel like you need to urinate more often than usual.

You may have other symptoms depending on the medicines you were given. They may include:

  • Urine that smells or looks different for several days after treatment.
  • Flu-like symptoms, such as a fever.

These symptoms may be normal.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for yourself at home?

After your procedure:

  • Rest when you feel tired. You can do your normal activities when it feels okay to do so.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. This will help remove the medicines from your bladder.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions. Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You'll get instructions about taking any new medicines.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
    • Pain or burning when you urinate.
    • A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
    • Pain in the flank, which is just below the rib cage and above the waist on either side of the back.
    • Blood or pus in your urine.
    • A fever.
  • Your urine smells bad.
  • You can't pass any urine.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.

Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.