Bladder Catheterization By Paul H Chung, MD, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University Reviewed / Revised Mar 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Topic Resources How To Catheterize the Urethra... How To Do Urethral Catheterizatio... Bladder catheterization is used to do the following: Obtain urine for examination Measure residual urine volume Relieve urinary retention or incontinence Deliver radiopaque contrast agents or drugs directly to the bladder Irrigate the bladder Catheterization may be urethral or suprapubic.