Catheter Types

Choosing The Best Female Catheter

A catheter is a tube that is inserted into the urethra to draw urine from the bladder. It is used for people who have urinary incontinence, urinary retention, neurogenic bladder, multiple sclerosis, or have undergone surgery.  

The choice of catheter varies among men and women. Men have longer catheters compared to women because of the difference in anatomy. Female catheters are 6 inches long on average. However, compact catheters are also available.

Tips For Choosing The Best Female Catheter

To make female catheter insertion comfortable and easy, manufacturers have now developed more advanced options like pre-lubricated, hydrophilic, and closed-system female catheters. These catheters for women are also available in flexible materials like vinyl (PVC), silicone, POBE, or red rubber, which make catheterization smoother and more comfortable.

1. Female Catheter Length and Sizes

Female catheters are smaller in length (6 inches) because the female urethra is smaller than a male. Compact and unisex catheters are also available and range in sizes up to 16 inches long.

The universal measurement criterion for a catheter is the French Size (FR) which refers to the catheter tube diameter. Catheters also follow a color-coding system for easy size identification. Your doctor will help you figure out which female catheter size would be the best for you, keeping in mind overall comfort and smooth catheterization. 

Choosing the right-sized catheter makes all the difference. A catheter size that is too small will cause urine leakage, and a larger catheter will lead to painful insertion and discomfort. That is why choosing the right size is vital.

Once the size has been determined, the type of catheter must also be selected.  

2. Female Catheter Types

The three main types of catheters for women are:

1. Straight or Intermittent Catheters

Originally these catheters were uncoated and needed to be lubricated using a lubrication jelly before insertion. However, medical advancements have created two options for intermittent catheters – coated and uncoated. The coated catheter can be used instantly, whereas an uncoated catheter needs to be manually lubricated.

Straight catheters can be easily carried in a purse, backpack, makeup bag, or pocket.

2. Hydrophilic Catheters

These types of catheters are similar to straight catheters, with one big difference. They have a unique lubricating coating which is activated with water and stays lubricated from insertion to removal. 

Some hydrophilic catheters come with a sterile water packet. Once the packet is opened, the catheter must be soaked in that sterile water which activates the lubricant. Others come pre-lubricated and ready to use upon opening the pack.

3. Closed System Catheters

These are basically a kit of all the essential supplies for catheterization and include a urine bag, catheter, wipes, gloves, etc. Most female catheter systems also come with a pre-lubricated introducer tip that easily crosses the initial few millimeters of the urethra and minimizes the chances of a urethral or urinary tract infection.

Closed-system catheters are the preferred method of catheterization for those confined to a wheelchair as they make it easy to catheterize while sitting on the chair.

Where to buy urinary catheters for women? 

HPFY carries a wide range of catheters for women and their accessories. Some of our best sellers are:

Selecting the right catheter size is important for urethral health and overall hygiene. The wrong size could make the whole process of self-catheterization messy or painful. However, modern advancements have made using a catheter relatively convenient, with flexible materials that reduce the chance of injury and discomfort. Talk to your doctor to help you determine which catheter is right for you.

 

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