Have you just received your rehabilitation catheter, or are you already using it on a daily basis? Good news: taking care of it is very simple, as long as you know the right steps to follow.

Proper care means a more hygienic catheter that lasts longer and remains effective throughout your rehabilitation. We’ll walk you through everything, step by step.

Good to know: The instructions below are in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations for our catheters. If in doubt, always refer to the instructions provided with your catheter and consult your healthcare professional.

Before using for the very first time

Your probe is delivered in a sealed pouch.

Caution: It is not sterile, but it has been disinfected before packaging.

⇒ Before using it for the first time, there’s one simple step: rinse it with water to remove any traces of disinfectant. That’s all—there’s no need (and it’s even discouraged) to sterilize it; we’ll come back to this below.

Clean the probe after each use

This is the key to maintenance, and the rule is easy to remember.

→ NEVER submerge your probe in liquid. Do not immerse it in water or any other substance.

→ Clean it only with a cloth dampened with water, possibly with a little mild soap added. Simply do this after each use.

This is the only recommended method: no soaking, no harsh chemicals, just a damp cloth and mild soap if needed.

How to Dry and Store Your Probe

Once cleaned, your probe must be stored clean and dry in its original resealable pouch.

And please note, this is essential: you must keep this pouch. It is not just ordinary packaging. This pouch is an integral part of your probe’s warranty and traceability: it is primarily thanks to this pouch (and the lot number printed on it) that we can identify your product in the event of a problem.

If you throw it away, your probe will no longer be covered by the warranty. So be sure to keep it safe for the entire duration of use.

Step 4: Incorporating Pelvic Floor Exercises into Your Daily Routine

The best exercise is the one you don’t forget to do. A few simple habits:

• “Tightening” before exertion: Get into the habit of gently contracting your pelvic floor just before coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting something heavy. This protects it from pressure.

• Good posture every day, with a straight back, which relieves pressure on the pelvic floor.

• Good habits: avoid constipation (a source of pressure), don’t strain on the toilet, and don’t get into the habit of urinating “just in case” too often.

Enemy No. 1: Sulfur

Here is a lesser-known but important tip.

Your probe is equipped with gold-plated electrodes, which ensure good conductivity. To preserve their appearance and proper functioning, keep your probe away from sulfur and sulfur-containing substances, which could damage them.

What You Should Definitely Avoid Doing

Let’s review the mistakes you must absolutely avoid:

• • Do not sterilize your probe: sterilization can damage the medical device.
  • Do not submerge it in water or any other liquid.
  • Do not twist or disassemble any parts of the probe.
  • Do not use it if the electrodes are damaged.
  • Do not allow it to come into contact with sulfur.
  • Do not throw away the original packaging: without it, the probe is no longer covered by the warranty.

How long does a probe last?

A rehabilitation probe is a medical device classified as a “consumable”: it wears out over time and with use, which is perfectly normal.

The manufacturer tests it for approximately 60 sessions (at a maximum of one hour per session).

The warranty is valid for a period of 2 years (for individuals) from the date of purchase, provided the device is used properly.

One last important reminder

Your probe is for strictly personal use. For hygiene reasons, it should not be lent or shared: each person should use their own.

To conclude…

Caring for your catheter involves a few simple steps: clean it with water before first use, then with a damp cloth and a little mild soap after each use; never submerge it; dry it and store it in its original pouch (keep this safely for the warranty!); keep it away from sulfur; and replace it when it is worn out or damaged.

These simple steps will extend the life of your probe and ensure that your rehabilitation takes place under the best possible conditions.

Reminder: If you experience leakage, pain, a feeling of heaviness, a recent pregnancy, or are recovering from surgery, consult a healthcare professional before doing these exercises.

⇒ Still not sure which model is right for your rehabilitation? (Re)discover our article “Which perineal rehabilitation probe should you choose? The complete guide ⬈ .”