All about catheters: Types, how-to, and products

What is a catheter?

A urinary catheter is a medical device in the shape of a hollow tube. The catheter is inserted into the urethra to drain urine from the bladder. Catheters are sometimes necessary for people who cannot void conventionally on their own and are used to manage urinary incontinence or retention. Urinary catheters are used to manage incontinence or urinary retention. Some people require a catheter for a short period of time, while others, like older adults and people with permanent injuries, may need to use catheters indefinitely. Catheters come in different lengths, sizes and types.

Urinary catheters are usually made of the following materials:

• Rubber

• Plastic

• Silicone

• Latex

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

• Polyolefin

The most used material is PVC.

When are urinary catheters used?

The purpose of a catheter is to help people with continence issues empty their bladder. A healthcare provider may recommend a catheter to individuals experiencing any of the following issues:

• Urinary retention

• Urinary incontinence

• Monitoring urine output 

• Catheters can also be used prior to, during, or following a surgical procedure, to accurately monitor output for chronically ill patients

The most common conditions associated with using a urinary catheter are:

• Spinal cord injury

• Spina bifida

• Enlargement of the prostate gland or prostate surgery

• Multiple sclerosis

Catheter types

These are the types of urinary catheters most commonly used in medical care:

Indwelling catheters

Indwelling catheters, or Foley catheters, are the most common catheter type. They consist of a flexible tube with an inflatable balloon at the end. Once the device is inserted into the bladder, the balloon is inflated to keep the catheter in place. The other end drains urine into a bag that is strapped to the person’s leg (leg bag). The bag is emptied when it’s full.

Indwelling catheters are not single-use. They are usually replaced by a healthcare professional.

Intermittent catheters

Unlike indwelling catheters, intermittent catheters are inserted into the bladder for a prescribed regimen throughout the day and then removed. They are inserted through the urethra and drain the bladder. Intermittent catheter users are taught how to self-catheterize by a healthcare professional.

Condom catheters

Condom catheters, or male external catheters (MECs), are worn externally and are used by men. They consist of a sheath that fits over the penis (similar to a condom) that is connected to a drainage bag. These catheters are suitable for people with incontinence.

Suprapubic catheters

This catheter type is surgically inserted through a small incision in the lower abdomen directly into the bladder. Suprapubic catheters are used when urethral catheterization is not possible.

How to choose the right catheter

Choosing the right catheter involves various factors, including the individual’s medical diagnosis, anatomical characteristics, lifestyle and preferences. Some key considerations may include:

1. Type of catheter: Whether the person requires long-term or short-term catheterization, their healthcare provider will recommend a suitable catheter type, like an intermittent catheter or indwelling catheter.

2. Size and length: Catheter size refers to the diameter of the tube, which is measured in French units. Typically, a healthcare provider will determine the French size used, which may depend on the size of the urethra or presence of obstructions. Catheter length depends on the patient’s anatomy, with a shorter catheter mainly used for females and longer catheters for males.

3. Material: Catheters can be made of a variety of materials including latex, silicone, plastic and PVC. Potential allergies and sensitivities to these materials need to be taken into consideration when choosing a catheter.

4. Tip design: Straight tip is suitable for most users and considered simple to insert. Coudé tip (curved tip) is designed to navigate through obstructions in the urethra, which makes them suitable for users with anatomical abnormalities.

5. Coating: Some catheters come with lubircated coating to reduce friction during insertion and minimize the risk of trauma.

6. Lifestyle and personal preference: Personal preference, daily routine and activity level are also important when selecting a catheter. For example, such factors as discretion, ease of use and portability may influence a person's choice.

Choosing the right catheter is very important. You may need to try different catheters and see which one suits you best.

Coloplast produces a variety of catheters suitable for male and female anatomy. Visit the website below to view available products and order a free sample:*

• View and sample female catheters

• View and sample male catheters

If you have questions or concerns and would like advice on which products might be the best fit for you, please contact us at 1-800-795-5492.

How to use a catheter

The procedure of using a catheter depends on the type. A healthcare professional should provide guidance on how to properly use the catheter type prescribed. However, the general steps for self-catheterization include:

1. Preparation: Finding a comfortable and private space for the procedure, ensuring proper hand hygiene and gathering all the necessary supplies.

2. Positioning: Assuming a comfortable position.

3. Catheter inspection and preparation: Confirming the catheter doesn’t have any damage or defects, applying lubricating jelly to the tip of the catheter if necessary. Hydrophilic coated catheters do not require additional lubrication..

4. Catheter insertion: Gently inserting the catheter into the urethra.

5. Hygiene: Ensuring proper hygiene of the genital area and washing the hands again.

Watch our self-catheterization guides for men, women and children for guidance on how to use Coloplast catheters:

• Watch our catheter guides for women

• Watch our catheter guides for men

• Watch our catheter guides for children

How to use a catheter

The procedure of using a catheter depends on the type. A healthcare professional should provide guidance on how to properly use the catheter type prescribed. However, the general steps for self-catheterization include:

1. Preparation: Finding a comfortable and private space for the procedure, ensuring proper hand hygiene and gathering all the necessary supplies.

2. Positioning: Assuming a comfortable position.

3. Catheter inspection and preparation: Confirming the catheter doesn’t have any damage or defects, applying lubricating jelly to the tip of the catheter if necessary. Hydrophilic coated catheters do not require additional lubrication..

4. Catheter insertion: Gently inserting the catheter into the urethra.

5. Hygiene: Ensuring proper hygiene of the genital area and washing the hands again.

Watch our self-catheterization guides for men, women and children for guidance on how to use Coloplast catheters:

• Watch our catheter guides for women

• Watch our catheter guides for men

• Watch our catheter guides for children

Potential complications of catheter use

Self-catheterization can be a safe and effective way to manage bladder dysfunction and maintain urinary continence. However, proper insertion requires education and training. If you need to learn to self-catheterize, reach out to your healthcare provider for advice and support.

There are some risks associated with catheter use (for example, due to improper handling, improper insertion or natural predisposition) including:

• Bladder or urethral trauma  

• Blockage (by blood clots, mucus or sediment)

• Bladder spasms

• Tissue damage (microtrauma)  

• Allergic reaction to the materials used in the catheter

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

The symptoms of a UTI may include:

• Pain or burning sensation during urination  

• Frequent urination  

• Sudden urge to urinate 

• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain 

• Blood in urine 

• Cloudy urine  

• Foul-smelling urine 

• Fever 

• Headache 

• Chills 

• Back pain or pain in the sides

• Incontinence and a sense of not feeling well  

UTI risk factors include the following:

• Gender: Female anatomy is believed to be more predisposed to UTIs than male anatomy.

• Pregnancy: Pregnancy is one of the risk factors associated with UTIs.

• Menopause: Decreased estrogen levels can lead to changes in the urinary tract, making post-menopausal women more susceptible to contracting UTIs.

• Age: Elderly people tend to contract UTIs more frequently due to weakened immune system, decreased mobility, or underlying medical conditions.

• Previous UTIs: A history of recurrent UTIs is a risk factor for developing further UTIs.

• Certain types of birth control: Some types of birth control, such as diaphragms, cervical caps and spermicides can increase the risk of UTI.

• Sexual activity: Sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, increasing the risk of UTI.

• Personal hygiene: Poor hygiene practices or infrequent changing of urinary catheters or collection bags can increase the risk of UTI.

Living with a urinary catheter

Catheter users are able to lead full and satisfying lives, though a catheter may require some getting used to.

Having a urinary catheter should not prevent you from engaging in most of your usual activities. Your healthcare provider will tell you when it's safe to go back to work, exercise, travel, swim and have sex.

Upon discharge from the hospital, your healthcare provider will instruct you on how to use and care for your specific catheter type. Usually, you would also be given a supply of catheter equipment and information on where to get more supplies. Catheters are usually available by prescription from durable medical equiment (DME) suppliers.

Preventing UTIs and other complications

Since UTIs are common when using a catheter, you may be wondering how you can avoid UTIs and generally make your catheter usage experience as comfortable as possible.

To minimize the risk of UTI, you may want to adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Wash the genital area, especially the area where the catheter is inserted, every day using water and mild soap.

2. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after catheterization.

3. Stay hydrated (drink enough fluids and make sure your urine is a pale color).

4. Make sure to avoid constipation (this includes drinking enough water and including high-fiber foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits into your diet).

5. Always inspect the catheter before using it. Make sure it doesn’t have any bends or kinks.

    

Get support and education when you need it with Coloplast Care

Coloplast’s mission is to help make life easier for people with intimate healthcare needs. We created Coloplast Care - a free support program – where we offer nurse-validated information as well as personalized support so you can live the life you want. No matter where you are in your continence journey, whether you’ve used a catheter for a long time or you’re about to begin using one, you can enroll in the program and get advice on how to stay compliant and gain confidence in your new catheterization routine. Thousands have benefited from Care and you can too.

*Samples available with valid prescription only, limitations apply.

Information from Coloplast Care is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be interpreted to contain treatment recommendations. You should rely on the healthcare professional who knows your individual history for personal medical advice and diagnosis.