A urinary catheter is a tube system placed in the body to drain and collect urine from the bladder. Two common medical problems where catherter is used are urinary incontinence and urinary retention.

Intermittent catheters

Indwelling (long term) or Foley catheters

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.

It is required by people with urinary incontinence or retention that cannot be treated by other methods like surgery, medications or intermittent catheterization.
An indwelling catheter is also required by people with skin irritation or pressure ulcers (stage 3 or 4) that are caused by incontinence.
It is also used in situations when a person is homebound and a family member or a caregiver is not available to help.

The common catheter sizes are 14 FR (French), 16 FR, or 18 FR with a 5-cc baloon filled with 10 cc of sterile water.

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.

An indwelling urethal catheter also known as "foley" catheter is a closed, sterile system inserted into the urethra to allow the bladder to drain. A catheter is left in place for a period of time and is attached to a drainage bag to collect the urine. These catheters are usually inserted by a doctor and nurse.

Drainage bags for long term catheters:

• There are two types of drainage bags.

1. A leg bag is a smaller drainage device that attaches to the leg by elastic bands. A leg bag is usually used during the day since it is easy to hide it under pants or skirts, and can be emptied into a toilet.
2. An overnight bag is a bag with a long tube that is used during the night. The bag should be hung over the side of the bed below the level of your catheter so that the urine will flow easily.

External catheter systems also called condom catheters are used by men. This catheter fits ocer the penis and connects to a drainage bag. They are safer to use than internal catheters because it does not require a tube to be placed in the bladder.

External catheters are made from either latex rubber, polyvinyl, or silicone and are attached on the shaft of the penis by a double-sided adhesive, latex inflatable cuff, jockey's type strap, or foam strap. They are then joined to urine drainage bags by a tube.

External catheters are used for 24 to 48 hours and both disposable and reusable condom catheters are available.

A catheter should be flexible in nature in order to adjust to the urethral contours. The material should be biocompatible, so that it does not cause allergic reactions, and also be temperature-resistant. The catheter you buy should be ready to use and one which does not require any 'handling' to avoid risk of infection. Different types of catheters are available on this site to suit different needs.