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What are Intermittent Catheters and its uses?

Intermittent urinary catheters are meant for individuals who are unable to pass urine on their own yet do not require continuous catheterization. They provide an effective bladder management strategy to those suffering from urinary incontinence. At HPFY we have an extensive range of intermittent urinary catheters under different brands and they have varying features including catheter tips, material of the tubing and multiple size options. We provide an array of intermittent urological catheters ranging from disposable catheters, hydrophilic catheters, straight tip catheters, funnel end catheters, silicone catheters, red rubber catheters and latex free catheters.

 

Using Intermittent Catheters


What are Intermittent Urinary Catheters Made Of?


Intermittent urinary catheters are usually made of silicone or plastic (polyvinyl chloride or PVC). A silicone catheter is softer than PVC catheter and easier to insert or withdraw. Catheters made of latex, silver or stainless steel are also available though they are not so common. Latex catheter is not suitable for those with latex sensitivity while silver or stainless catheters, which can be washed and re-used multiple times,are rigid and for women only.

 

How to Choose an Intermittent Catheter?

While selecting an Intermittent Urinary Catheter you must consider: 

Length of Catheter

There are three different catheter length options – male, female and pediatric. Length of the catheter tubing needs to be considered because adequate length tubing will ensure complete emptying out of the bladder and easy handling. However, extra-long tubing will be difficult to handle. Those confined to wheelchairs may require extra tubing. 

Catheter Size

Catheter sizes are measured in FR and involve thickness or diameter of the tube.Choosing the right size is important because it will affect how the catheter works in your urethra and the time it takes to empty out the bladder. The more correct the size the better the drainage and lesser the trauma. 

Safety

This is an important point to remember when choosing catheter type. To avoid injury or trauma, the catheter preferably should be soft and lubricated for easy insertion and removal. Hydrophilic catheters are preferred by those who are sensitive to pain. They are pre-coated catheters and when soaked into water, the lubricant binds to the water making the surface slippery and allowing for smooth insertion. 

Handling of Catheter

To avoid touching the catheter and increasing risks of infection, some catheters have non-slip finger grips.


How to use Coloplast SpeediCath Compact Intermittent Catheter?


 

How to wash Intermittent Catheter?

Where to buy Intermittent Catheters online?

There are several types of intermittent urinary catheters to suit all needs. Apart from the choices mentioned above, also consider your selection from red rubber intermittent catheters, funnel end intermittent catheters, round tip intermittent catheters, tapered tip intermittent catheters and olive tip intermittent catheters. All products are from expert intermittent catheter manufacturers like Bard, Hollister, Teleflex, Coloplast,Astra Tech/Wellspect , Peco Medical, Rochester Medical, Cure Medical, Covidien/Medtronic, etc.
 

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Articles

Intermittent Catheters

10 Best Intermittent Catheters for 2024

Anushree Kothari Jan 05,2018

Intermittent catheters are used when there is a need to empty the bladder occasionally. They are required to be inserted for a short duration, as & when required, to drain out the bladder completely.

Urinary Catheter Lubricants

The 5 Best Catheter Lubricants for Easy Insertion

Catheter Lubricants are jelly like substances that are applied on the outer side of the catheter for the easy and smooth insertion and removal of the catheter from the cavity.

Intermittent Catheters

Types of Intermittent Catheters: How To Choose The Right One?

Taikhum Sadiq Oct 31,2017

Intermittent catheters are straight tubes of flexible plastic or rubber that are used to drain the body of urine when the person is not able to do so naturally. One end is rounded while the other is funnel shaped.

FAQ's

Frequently asked questions

Intermittent catheters are hollow tubes to drain urine from the bladder. Once the urine is drained out the catheter is removed. This is called intermittent self-catheterization (ISC). This is one at either regular intervals or as when required. However, it is more effective when done on a set schedule each day.
The objective of intermittent catherization is to completely empty the bladder and prevent any kind of urinary tract infections. Most catheters are disposable. However, some are designed that can be cleaned and reused.
There are three main types of intermittent catheters:
  • Plain catheters made of plastic. These are used with a special lubricant before insertion.
  • Coated catheters with a hydrophilic coating. The catheter is soaked in water for a short while before use. The water makes the coating become slippery so it is easy to insert.
  • Pre-lubricated catheters which are ready to use.
  • Intermittent catherization is required by people with neurological disorders, women who have undergone cetain gynecological surgeries, and anyone who is unable to properly empty the bladder. It can be for a short period of time or on an occasional basis.

    Intermittent catheter is a device for emptying out the urinary bladder of an individual having trouble urinating on his own. An intermittent catheter is to be used only when the bladder has to be emptied out. Once done, then the catheter is removed. Hence, intermittent catheters do not remain within the body all the time but are inserted only when required.

    Intermittent catheters are generally made from polyvinyl chloride which is a kind of plastic. The stiffness of the material helps in smooth insertion. However, it is also flexible enough to manoeuvre around the bends within a male urethra.

    A sterilized catheter is inserted into the urethra that connects the genitals to the bladder and then guided into the bladder. This allows the urine to flow through the catheter tube and into a collection bag. Once the bladder is empty, the catheter is removed.

    Keeping your catheter clean will ensure a healthy bladder and a urinary tract free from infections.  

    • Be hygienic and always wash your hands with soap and water before and after draining out the urinary bag.  
    • Ensure that the valve of the urinary bag does not come in contact with the toilet when draining out the urine. Keep the bag far above the toilet while draining.
    • Use an alcohol-soaked wipe to clean the drainage tube and valve and then close the valve.
    • Use warm, soapy water to clean the drainage bag and catheter tubing. You may also use a mixture of vinegar and water in the ratio of 1:3 to wash and rinse the device. Then allow it to air dry.