A soluble material covering is provided about a longitudinally-folded balloon-carrying end of a catheter to facilitate insertion of the catheter into a bodily cavity. The soluble material covering is provided with at least one of perforations or scalloped regions to initiate disassociation of the soluble film from the balloon-carrying end of the catheter upon initiation of inflation of the balloon. The soluble material dissolves within the body after it is disassociated from the balloon-carrying end, eliminating the need to withdraw the covering from the bodily cavity. A lubricant may be applied to the exterior of the soluble film covering prior to insertion. The perforations or scalloped regions overlie clefts or creases defined by inverted regions of the folded annulus of the balloon-carrying end of the catheter.
