Background: The urinary catheter was designed by Foley in 1937.  There are diverse types of urinary catheters. Complications are common to patients living with indwelling urinary catheters. Nurses have the responsibility to provide information about the catheter to patients.

Aim: To describe patients’ experiences of living with an indwelling urinary catheter.

Method: A literature review of qualitative study was carried out. 10 articles were analysed. Friberg’s analysis model was used to analyse data.

Results: Patients had different perceptions about living with indwelling urinary catheters. Some needed to adjust to having indwelling urinary catheters as part of their life. Others experienced catheter related problems such as pain, leakage and discomfort. Patients expressed need for support from family and healthcare professionals.

Conclusion: Patients felt that they had received inadequate information from healthcare professionals and needed information about having an indwelling urinary catheter.