Your physician prescribes catheters for you if you have trouble emptying the bladder. Urinary catheters are used primarily to manage urinary incontinence and urinary retention. Three main types of urinary catheters are available, including intermittent catheters, indwelling catheters, and external catheters. While intermittent catheters and external catheters are used to treat urinary retention, indwelling catheters treat both urinary retention and urinary incontinence.

Subcategories exist within each type of the catheters mentioned above. Additionally, catheters come in different materials, styles, tip options, etc., to support a wide range of medical needs and varying anatomies. Your medical provider can help you determine which type of catheter will work best for you. HPFY offers a vast selection of urinary catheters keeping in mind the varying needs of users, including straight catheters, coude catheters, pocket catheters, silicone catheters, red rubber catheters, hydrophilic catheters, and many more.

What are the different types of Urinary Catheters?

No single catheter type works for everyone because each individual’s needs, anatomies, and preferences are different. Choosing the right catheters depends on various elements such as your age, weight, gender, mobility, agility, urethral sensitivity, and visual impairment. Furthermore, it may also depend on how physically active you are and how often you travel. Following are the various types of catheters available in different materials, styles, tip options, lubrication, and many more options.

1. Catheter material

Catheters are made from a wide range of materials. PVC, latex, red rubber, and silicone are the most common materials.

Red Rubber Catheter: Red rubber catheters are made from a soft and flexible red rubber material. Due to the softness and flexibility of the material, red rubber catheters provide a more comfortable experience for those performing intermittent self-catheterization. They are also considered thermo-sensitive; thus, the catheter easily matches the temperature of its surrounding environment, increasing comfort levels during application. Since red rubber catheters contain latex, they are not recommended for those with latex allergies.

PVC Catheter: For those looking for a more rigid type of catheter, PVC material is the best choice. PVC catheters are translucent, allowing users and their medical providers to easily see the urine color. Since PVC catheters are latex-free, they are ideal for those with latex allergies.

Latex Catheter: Latex catheters are flexible and ideal for those who experience discomfort or have trouble inserting catheters. They are made from 100% latex. The thermo-sensitive property of latex makes it pliable, which is why many people prefer using them to other materials. Latex is used in both Foley and intermittent catheters, giving you plenty of options to choose from based on your unique needs.

Silicone Catheter: Silicone catheters are made from 100% silicone material. Since they cause less urethral irritation, they are recommended for those who require long-term catheterization. Furthermore, latex catheters are prescribed to people who have allergies and sensitivities to latex. They are available in both intermittent and Foley catheter options=.

2. Catheter tips

There are two kinds of tips: straight tips and coude tips.

Straight Tip Catheter: As the name suggests, straight catheters are perfectly straight from end to end. Since the tip is perfectly straight, many users find them easy to insert. Both men and women who self-catheterize may use straight catheters. However, some catheters are made exclusively for women. Since they are for single use, there is less risk of getting an infection.

Coude Tip Catheter: The coude tip catheter has a slight curve at the insertion end, which allow it to move past the blockages and obstructions within the urethra. People with enlarged prostate, urethral strictures, etc., are prescribed coude tip catheters as these catheters make self-catheterization easier and less painful. Some coude catheters come with guide stripes allowing clearer visibility during insertion. Coude catheters come in different options, including tapered tip, olive tip, and Tiemann tip. An olive tip has a more rounded end and helps widen narrow urethras during insertion.

3. Lubrication

Some urinary catheters come pre-lubricated, while others need to be lubricated before use. Following are some of the pre-lubricated catheters.

Hydrophilic Catheter: The hydrophilic catheter is a pre-lubricating one that comes applied with a special hydrophilic coating during the manufacturing process. The catheter maintains lubrication throughout the self-catheterization process minimizing friction and trauma to the urethra. Before application, the catheter needs to be submerged in water to make it uniformly lubricated.

Antibacterial Catheter: Antibacterial catheters come coated with an antibacterial coating like silver or nitrofurazone that help curb a variety of pathogens that can cause urinary tract infections. These catheters may be useful for those who require long-term catheterization.

No Touch Catheter: Touchless catheters are pre-lubricated ones, and they can be inserted into the urethra without touch by the user offering a sterile self-catheterization. The catheter is housed within a collection bag and does not require draining the urine into a receptacle or toilet.

Lubricath Catheter: Lubricath catheter has a unique hydrogel coating that helps easy insertion of the catheter. The coating maintains its integrity throughout the catheterization, including insertion and removal. These catheters cause less friction and irritation, minimizing trauma caused to the patient. They are available in Foley catheter models.

4. Compactness

Some catheters are extremely compact and useful for those who are on the go.

Pocket Catheter: Pocket catheters are typically intermittent catheters compact enough to fit into a pocket. They are simple and ready-to-use sets and can be used in public places without hassle. Some pocket catheters are exclusively made for women who self-catheterize.

Where to buy Different Types of Urinary Catheters?

Health Products For You carries a huge inventory of all types of urinary catheters from leading manufacturers like Bard, Coloplast, Teleflex, etc., at the best prices. You can count on us for the timely delivery of urological supplies to your door. Shop now and get the right catheter for your unique needs.