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 and when required, to drain out the bladder completely. There is no need to wear these catheters continuously. Whenever users feel like, they can insert the catheter, drain the urine and remove the catheter again. Intermittent urinary catheters are designed to help users who cannot empty their bladder naturally.
Intermittent catheterization is a process that enables the 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 minimize 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.
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:
While choosing an intermittent catheter, catheter size plays a very important role. Catheters are sized by a measure called French size (Fr), which is the diameter of the catheter. Typically, this diameter falls between 5 Fr to 20 Fr. Catheter size can also be determined by its funnel color. If a catheter has a larger diameter than required, it may cause strain on 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 may take help of your healthcare professional to determine the right size according to your anatomy. Choosing the right catheter size will allow you to maintain timely pace of urine flow without any pain or discomfort.
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.
If a catheter shorter than required is chosen, it may result in improper emptying of bladder, leading to urinary tract infections. If the catheter is too long, it may create difficulty in handling.
Intermittent urinary catheters generally have two types of tips - straight tip and coude tip.
Coloplast Self-Cath Straight Tip Male Intermittent Catheter is designed for intermittent 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 siliconized surface for smooth insertion.
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 catheter. It has two opposed eyes for easy drainage.
Coloplast SpeediCath Male Intermittent Catheter is instantly ready to use a catheter, 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.
Cure Catheter 16 Inches Male Intermittent Catheter With Straight Tip is 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.
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 a short term catheter use helps decrease infections. This PVC Catheter eliminates latex allergy concerns and is available in straight catheter tip.
Bard Bardia Red Rubber All-Purpose Intermittent Latex Urethral Catheter is intended for urological use. This all-purpose urethral catheter is made out of red latex for increased firmness compared to regular latex. Red Rubber Catheter is radiopaque with a round and hollow tip. It can be used both as a robinson and a nelaton catheter.
Cure Catheter 16 Inches Male Coude Tip Intermittent Catheter features 100 percent fire-polished eyelets and funnel 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.
Coloplast Self-Cath Female Intermittent Catheter is designed for self-catheterization. It comes with clear, fire-polished eyelets and a siliconized surface for smooth insertion, reducing the risk of urethral trauma. 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.
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 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
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 designed 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 episodes.
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