Reviewed by Christine Kijek, Registered Colorectal Nurse, on August 16, 2022
A plastic tube in structure, catheters are inserted into body cavities, incisions, ducts, and vessels for treatment or rehabilitation purposes. Catheters are a highly important component of a number of devices that help in procedures such as ostomy, angioplasty, IVF, and many more.
But inserting a catheter can be an arduous task for a doctor and moreover for a patient. Insertion of the catheter inside the urethra is specifically a difficult task as it is prone to trauma and pain.
A simple substance comes to the rescue. Catheter lubricants are jelly like substances that help smooth the process of insertion and removal of the catheter. Applied on the outer surface of the catheter, they are made of a natural water-soluble gum substance. Different types of catheter lubes have a different kind of density with some being very dense while some are watery in texture. Some are sterile while others are not, so be sure to choose a sterile version for lubricating your urinary catheter. Using a sterile lubricant reduces the risk of an infection. Specifically, the odds of urinary tract infection were highly reduced since the usage of lubricating gel for catheters began. There are a number of different brands that cater to the catheter lubricant needs.
Lubricating the catheter began when people realized that there were easier and painless ways of inserting the catheter into an orifice. But using the right kind of lubricant for catheters became paramount as an invasive kind of chemical would complicate things even more. Lubricants help in the following:
Choosing the right kind of personal lubricant for a catheter is important as the wrong lubricant might worsen problems and result in reactions with the skin or urethra and cause infections or trauma. Many a time, not emphasizing on the right lubricant can make you choose one that might be harmful to your body and might also have chemicals that the user might be allergic to. Hence, we have listed five of the best catheter lubricants to choose from.
A greaseless and water-soluble lubricant, the Cardinal Health ReliaMed Lubricating Jelly can be used for a variety of medical or at-home procedures. This lubricating jelly provides comfortable insertion of catheters, surgical instruments, and gloves into body orifices. It is ideal for lubricating rubber products such as catheters and rectal thermometers.
McKesson Lubricating Jelly is a clear, water-soluble and greaseless lubricant used by healthcare professionals. It is formulated to spread evenly and is ideal for lubricating rubber materials and synthetic surfaces, as well as surgical instruments. This jelly is used during many routine medical procedures such as catheter insertions and specula insertions. It is a non-staining water-soluble lubricant made for quick and easy cleanup. It is clear, fragrance-free, and stable, and the non-greasy formula enhances patient comfort. This lubricant is ideal for lubricating rubber materials and synthetic surfaces as well as surgical instruments including rectal thermometers, and rectal and vaginal nozzles for infants and adults.
HR Pharmaceuticals Surgilube Sterile Lubricating Jelly is designed to lubricate surgical instruments, perfect for the operating room. It is also used with catheters, gynecological equipment, thermometers, rectal and vaginal nozzles. It is free from Paraben, Carbomer, Glycerin, and Latex.
The advent of these lubricants has not only helped catheterizing but the insertion of a number of medical devices such as gloves and thermometers. The economical pricing, sterile nature, and the benefits of painlessness while insertion are some of the things that have made catheter lubricant substances irreplaceable in the medical field.
Intended for medical purposes to lubricate body orifices and facilitate entry of diagnostic or therapeutic devices, the Dynarex DynaLube Sterile Lubricating Jelly provides lubrication for hinged instruments and therefore facilitates smooth articulation of delicate instruments and sliding surfaces. Enhancing and protecting the internal parts of the hand piece, it eliminates spotting and streaking, ensuring water sheets off instruments, thus leaving them dry.
A sterile and unique blend of natural water-soluble gums, the Nycomed Fougera Surgilube Lubricating Jelly provides instant and continuous lubrication for insertion of catheters, surgical instruments, and gloves into body orifices. It is safe, reliable, and convenient.
Self-cathing is an integral part of catheterization. Your professional medical help must have told you about how to do cathing on your own; however, you must learn a lot before doing the process. Additionally, understanding self-catheterization gives you the liberty to do it at any time. That said, it is also true that cathing is not as easy as it might sound; however, you can always find ways to make it simpler.
Follow step-by-step instructions while applying your own logic and reason, and you are half-way through it. Here are some things you must bear in mind while cathing yourself.
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Taikhum Sadiq has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2016.
He is an archaeology student and is passionate about learning about the past and how it impacts our future. He believes ...
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