A guide to female catheters: Types and tips for proper care

A female catheter is a medical device designed to help females empty their bladder if they aren't able to do so conventionally due to chronic disease, temporary health issues, surgery or trauma. Catheters can be essential for maintaining comfort and health.

What is a female catheter

A female catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder to drain urine. Catheters for women are specifically designed to fit female anatomy. The female urethra is shorter than the male urethra.

The length of a female catheter tube may vary, ranging from just under 3 inches to 8 inches or longer. Intermittent catheters are often measured in French sizes, where one French unit (Fr) is equivalent to 0.013 inches. Typically, female intermittent urinary catheters are available in sizes up to 16 Fr. The larger the French size number, the larger the catheter's diameter.

Types of female catheters

Just like male catheters, female catheters come in several variations, each designed for specific needs and medical conditions. Only your healthcare provider can help you choose the right catheter for your unique situation. Below, you will find information on the most common types of catheters:* 

1. Indwelling catheters:
   Indwelling, or Foley catheters, remain in the bladder for an extended period of time. It has a small balloon at the end that is inflated once inside the bladder to keep the catheter in place, and is connected to a leg bag that collects urine. It is only inserted and replaced by a healthcare professional.

   Indwelling catheters are used for long-term catheterization and are usually recommended after surgery, during serious illness or for people with chronic bladder dysfunction.

   Potential complications of using an indwelling catheter include infections, so regular checkups are recommended.
   
   

2. Intermittent catheters:
   Intermittent catheterization involves inserting and removing a catheter multiple times daily to empty the bladder. The goal of intermittent catheterization is to drain urine from a bladder that does not empty normally. This method is widely recommended as an effective bladder management strategy for people with incomplete bladder emptying due to neurogenic and non-neurogenic bladder conditions.

   In order to safely and effectively use an intermittent catheter, one needs to learn the technique and maintain proper hygiene. Proper hygiene and technique are crucial, since one of the common complications of intermittent catheter use is urinary tract infections (UTI).
   
   

3. Female urinary pouches (external catheters):
   Simply put, female urinary pouches are non-invasive collection devices. They collect urine into a collection bag without insertion into the urethra.

   External catheters may be preferable for females who can't use intermittent catheters or have a high risk of infection. They are considered easy to use and aren't associated with the same kind of discomfort as intermittent catheters.
   
   

4. Suprapubic catheters:
   Suprapubic catheters are inserted directly into the bladder through a small incision in the abdomen, bypassing the urethra. These are typically used when urethral catheterization is impossible due to blockage or injury. This catheter type requires meticulous care and regular checkups to avoid infections.

* Information is for educational purposes only.

When is a female catheter prescribed

Catheters may be prescribed to females with the following conditions:

1. Urinary retention: Urinary retention happens when the bladder doesn't empty completely or at all, due to nerve damage or obstructions in the bladder neck or urethra.

2. Overflow incontinence: Urinary incontinence means a person leaks urine involuntarily. This can happen due to stress, after childbirth or during menopause.

3. Post-surgery: after some surgeries, a catheter may be a temporary solution to aid with urination.

4. Chronic conditions: multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders may require long-term catheter use.

Care tips for women who catheterize

Proper catheter care is essential for reducing the risk of infections (such as UTIs), blockages, overflow incontinence, and other serious complications. These general tips may be helpful:

1. Maintain hygiene. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching the catheter. Wash the area around the urethra using a gentle cleanser and water, cleaning away from the urehtral opening.

2. If possible, have a regular schedule. If you're using an intermittent catheter, meticulously adhere to the schedule recommended by your healthcare provider. Regular and complete emptying of the bladder is a key to reducing the risk of UTIs.

3. Know the signs of infection. Be on the lookout for common symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, fever, fatigue, frequent urination, cloudy urine, foul-smelling urine, and pain during urination. These symptoms require prompt medical attention.

4. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids.

5. If relevant, replace catheters regularly. If you're using an indwelling catheter, it needs to be replaced regularly by your healthcare provider.

Prior to use, refer to product labeling for complete product instructions for use, contraindications, warning and precautions.