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10 Best Intermittent Catheters for 2024

10 Best Intermittent Catheters for 2024
Anushree Kothari

Article Reviewed by Registered Colorectal NurseReviewed by Christine Kijek, Registered Colorectal Nurse, on September 15, 2022

Intermittent catheters are used when there is a need to empty the bladder occasionally. They are to be inserted for a short duration, as and when required, to drain out the bladder completely. There is no need to wear these catheters continuously. When needed, the catheter is inserted to drain the urine, then removed. Intermittent urinary catheters are designed to help users who cannot empty their bladder naturally.

What is intermittent catheterization?

Intermittent catheterization is a process that enables users to empty their bladder on a regular basis. The catheter is inserted and removed several times a day, giving more freedom and control to users. Completely emptying the bladder reduces the number of times a user needs to pass urine, prevents kidney damage, and minimizes the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). The process of intermittent catheterization is easy to learn and requires the guidance of a healthcare practitioner to determine its frequency. It can be carried out anywhere and by anyone.

How to choose the best intermittent catheter for your urological needs?

Choosing the right intermittent catheter is crucial for safe and secure intermittent catheterization. Failing to do so can result in improper emptying of the bladder and urethral damage. Keep the following points in mind while buying an intermittent catheter to get the most out of intermittent catheterization:

Catheter Sizes

The catheter has a larger diameter than required; it may cause strain on the urethra, resulting in urethral damage. If the size chosen is too small, it may take too long to drain the urine completely.

Since everyone has a unique anatomy, there is no single catheter size that fits all. You will need the help of your healthcare professional to determine the right size according to your anatomy. Choosing the right catheter size will allow you to maintain a timely pace of urine flow without any pain or discomfort.

Catheter Lengths

Intermittent catheters come in three different lengths - male, female, and pediatric. Shorter lengths are generally used by women and children because they have shorter urethral lengths.

  • Male length catheters usually have a length of 16 inches.
  • Female length catheters usually have a length of 6-8 inches.
  • Pediatric length catheters usually have a length of 6-12 inches.
     

 Intermittent Catheter

If a catheter shorter than required is chosen, it may result in improper emptying of the bladder, leading to urinary tract infections. If the catheter is too long, it may create difficulty in handling.

Catheter Tips

Intermittent urinary catheters generally have two types of tips - straight tip and coude tip.

  • Straight tip: Straight tip catheters are the most common intermittent catheter types as they work with a broad spectrum of people including men, women, and children. The straight tip is the basic tip that works best when there is no urological complication like urethral narrowing or enlarged prostate.
  • Coude tip: Coude tip catheters is also known as a bent or curved tip. It is used to traverse the obstructions in the urethra such as urethral stricture or enlarged prostates. Coude tips usually accompany male length catheters because these complications are common in men. 
     

 Catheter Tips

Catheter Funnels

  • Funnel Ends: Catheters with color-coded funnel ends help in easy identification of French size. Funnel end catheters help in gripping them without touching their tube to prevent any sort of contamination. They are also used to attach to drainage bags.
  • Luer Ends: Luer ends are like ends of an open tube. They do not have any funnel. Catheters with luer ends are preferred sometimes because of their discreet and compact packaging. They become easy and convenient to carry along.
     

 Catheter Funnels

10 Best Intermittent Catheters for 2024

1. Coloplast Self-Cath Male Intermittent Catheter

Coloplast Self-Cath Straight Tip Male Intermittent Catheter is considered one of the best catheters for self catheterization. It is intended for those individuals who are unable to promote a natural urine flow or for those who have a significant volume of residual urine following a natural bladder-voiding episode. Self-Cath features fire-polished eyelets for comfort and a siliconized surface for smooth insertion.

Features of Coloplast Self-Cath Intermittent Catheter

  • Made of flexible medical-grade PVC
  • Intended for use in male patients requiring bladder drainage as determined by their physician
  • Made with the highest quality standards dedicated to patient comfort and ease of use
  • Single-use only
  • Length: 16-inch long
 

2. Rusch Robinson And Nelaton All Purpose Red Rubber Latex Intermittent Catheter

Rusch Robinson And Nelaton All Purpose Red Rubber Latex Intermittent Catheter is designed with two opposing eyes. Rusch Red Rubber Latex Intermittent Catheter is soft and comfortable, resulting in a pleasant user experience. This 16-inch long Intermittent Catheter is sterile and for single use. It is a premium disposable catheter and is made with red rubber latex. It has two opposed eyes for easy drainage

Features of Rusch Robinson And Nelaton Intermittent Catheter

  • Economical
  • Easy-to-use
  • Hassle-free
  • X-Ray opaque
  • All-purpose catheter
 

3. Coloplast SpeediCath Male Intermittent Catheter - Straight Tip

Coloplast SpeediCath Male Intermittent Catheter is instantly ready to use, with a simple design for everyday cathing. SpeediCath is designed to address comfort and minimize the risk of urethral damage. The unique hydrophilic coating and the polished eyelets ensure smooth catheterization both during insertion and withdrawal. SpeediCath is both quick and easy to use. The ring-pull feature offers easy opening and the adhesive dot ensures that the catheter stays where it is placed.

Features of Coloplast SpeediCath Intermittent Catheter

  • Ring-pull opening feature
  • Hydrophilic coating
  • PVC- and phthalate-free
  • Designed to reduce friction
  • Single-use catheter
  • Unique hydrophilic coating
 

4. Cure Male Straight Tip Intermittent Catheter

Cure Catheter 16 Inches Male Intermittent Catheter is the best straight catheter constructed with high-quality materials and is DEHP, BPA, and latex-free. It is a sterile, single-use catheter that features 100% fire-polished eyelets and funnel end for males. Cure Catheter is made with non-carcinogenic materials for safety. It is a great economical alternative for the most popular types of catheters.

Features of Cure Male Straight Tip Intermittent Catheter

  • Designed for easy opening and ease of use
  • Fire-polished eyelets for comfortable insertion
  • Single-use
 

5. Amsino AMSure Male PVC Urethral Catheter

Amsino AMSure Male PVC Urethral Catheter offers a smooth surface firm enough for insertion yet soft enough to be slightly pliable. Staggered eyes maintain tip strength during insertion and promote efficient drainage. This 16-inch long AMSure Catheter is designed for short-term use. It has a clear shaft to provide easy viewing as one measure and short-term catheter use helps decrease infections. This PVC Catheter eliminates latex allergy concerns and is available in the straight catheter tips.

Features of Amsino AMSure Male PVC Catheter

  • For single use only
  • Uncoated intermittent catheter
  • BPA free & Latex-free
  • Sterile and with staggered eyes
 

6. Bard Bardia Coude Tip Red Rubber Intermittent Catheter

Bard Bardia Coude Tip Red Rubber Intermittent Catheter has a semi-rigid red rubber construction to facilitate the negotiation of the prostatic curve. Coude olive tip with a single drainage eye located on the top of the prostatic curve. Raised indicator to identify the direction of the coude tip.

Features of Bard Bardia Coude Tip Red Rubber Intermittent Catheter

  • All-purpose urethral catheter
  • Single patient Use
  • Radiopaque
  • Coude catheter tip
  • Made out of red latex for increased firmness
 

7. Cure Catheter 16 Inches Male Coude Tip Intermittent Catheter

Cure Catheter 16 Inches Male Coude Tip Intermittent Catheter features 100 percent fire-polished eyelets and funnels end for males. This sterile, single-use catheter is a high-quality DEHP, BPA and latex-free catheter. Cure Catheter is made with non-carcinogenic materials for safety. It is a great economical alternative for most popular types of catheters and is designed to be easy to use.

Features of Cure Catheter Coude Tip Intermittent Catheter

  • Designed for easy opening and ease of use
  • Fire-polished eyelets for comfortable insertion
  • Single-use
 

8. Coloplast Self-Cath Female Intermittent Catheter

Coloplast Self-Cath Female Intermittent Catheter comes with clear, fire-polished eyelets and a siliconized surface for smooth insertion, reducing the risk of urethral trauma and making it one of the best catheters for self catheterization. The eyelets are repositioned on the side of the catheter for greater comfort. It is 6" long and is specifically designed for the short female urethra. The Coloplast Self-Cath Catheter is made of flexible medical grade PVC. It is indicated for those who are unable to promote a natural urine flow or those who have a significant volume of residual urine following a natural bladder-voiding episode.

Features of Self-Cath Female Intermittent Catheter

  • Latex-free and soft
  • Straight tip catheter
  • Single-use Female Intermittent Catheter
  • Not made with natural rubber latex
 

9. Hollister Apogee Essentials 16Fr IC Intermittent Catheter - Straight Tip

Hollister Apogee Essentials 16Fr IC Intermittent Catheter - Straight Tip features off-set polished eyelets to maximize the flow of urine. The catheter eyelets provide maximum comfort on insertion and removal to minimize trauma to the urethra. It is a ready-to-use, single-use intermittent catheter. It has a protective tip and sleeve support no-touch insertion technique. With two smooth catheter eyelets, it provides trouble-free insertion

Features of Hollister Apogee Essentials Intermittent Catheter

  • Non-lubricated
  • Smooth eyelets
  • Enhanced grip
  • Latex Free
 

10. McKesson Male Intermittent Catheter - Coude Tip

McKesson Coude Tip Male Intermittent Catheter is suitable for male catheterization. Each male catheter is 16 inches long and features polished eyes that help minimize urethral trauma and reduce the chance of bringing bacteria into the bladder and staggered eyes for maximum urine flow. The funnel end makes it easier to handle the catheter. McKesson Male Intermittent Catheters are considered one of the best male intermittent catheters that help to promote quick and easy self-catheterization. It is a non-coated catheter manufactured from clear Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). It is great for individuals who are unable to execute a natural urine flow or who have a significant volume of residual urine following a natural bladder voiding episode.

Features of McKesson Coude Tip Intermittent Catheter

  • Sterile
  • Disposable
  • Latex-free
  • Non-coated PVC
  • Color-coded to indicate French size
  • Designed to help quickly and easily self-cath
 

Steps to easy male catheterization

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  2. Wash the genitals or use disposable wet wipes to cleanse them. If uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back and then cleanse.
  3. If you are using a hydrophilic catheter, soak it according to the instructions of the manufacturer. In case of an uncoated catheter, put some lubrication jelly to its starting 6 inches.
  4. Get over a toilet seat or keep a container ready in which you can drain urine.
  5. Get into a comfortable position.
  6. Gently lift the penis and hold it at an angle of 60 – 75 degrees.
  7. Slowly and smoothly insert the lubricated catheter into the urethra. Do not touch the part of the catheter that enters inside.
  8. Continue sliding the catheter inside the urethra until urine starts flowing. This usually happens when the catheter is 6 to 8 inches inside the urethra.
  9. Sometimes, it gets hard to push the catheter just as it reaches the bladder. Do not panic as this is normal. Do not force but put some gentle pressure on the catheter so that it passes this point. Bearing down or coughing may help in passing this resistance point.
  10. Relax and allow the urine to drain from the bladder into a container or toilet.
  11. Slowly remove the catheter when urine stops flowing. Additional urine may drain while taking out the catheter.
  12. Clean any residue lubricant off the penis. Pull the foreskin back into position if you are uncircumcised.
  13. Dispose of the catheter and packaging properly.
  14. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Steps to easy female catheterization

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
  2. Wash the genitals from front to back or use disposable wet wipes to cleanse them.
  3. If you are using a hydrophilic catheter, soak it according to the instructions of the manufacturer. For an uncoated catheter, take some lubrication jelly and apply it to the first 3 inches of the catheter.
  4. Either get over a toilet seat or take a container in which you can drain the urine.
  5. Get into a comfortable position to perform the catheterization.
  6. Spread the labia with one hand and find the opening of the urethra. Using a mirror can help in finding the opening.
  7. With practice, you will be able to spot the opening by touch.
  8. Insert the lubricated catheter slowly into the urethra. Do not touch the part of the catheter that goes inside.
  9. Continue sliding the catheter until urine starts flowing. This usually happens when the catheter is about 3 inches inside the urethra.
  10. If you feel any resistance during insertion, apply some gentle pressure or cough or take some deep breaths to allow the catheter to pass.
  11. Allow the urine to flow from the bladder into a container or toilet.
  12. Remove the catheter when urine stops flowing. Additional urine may flow out while removing the catheter.
  13. Wipe front to back with a fresh cleansing cloth or toilet paper.
  14. Properly dispose of the catheter and packaging.
  15. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Where to buy intermittent catheters online?

Health Products For You offers a wide range of urinary catheters including intermittent and foley catheters. Shop all your urological supplies from HPFY and get exclusive discounts on every purchase you make.

 

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HPFY Anushree Kothari

Anushree Kothari

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Anushree Kothari, a family caregiver and a true empath, has been a devoted contributor to Health Products For You since 2016. Her journey as a medical writer for HPFY is a result ...

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