Frequently Asked Questions On Urologicals

Intermittent catheters

Indwelling (long term) or Foley catheters

The common catheter sizes are 14 FR (French), 16 FR, or 18 FR with a 5-cc balloon filled with 10 cc of sterile water.

A catheter should be flexible in nature in order to adjust to the urethral contours. The material should be biocompatible, so that it does not cause allergic reactions, and also be temperature-resistant. The catheter you buy should be ready to use and one which does not require any 'handling' to avoid risk of infection. Different types of catheters are available on this site to suit different needs.

A urinary catheter is a hollow, partially flexible tube which is inserted into the urinary bladder for draining urine from the bladder and out into a drainage bag. It is available in multiple sizes and types such as rubber, plastic and silicone.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) occurs when germs enter the urinary tract as a result of a catheter. Risks associated with this can be minimized by making sure that catheters are used only when required and removed later. And for those who need to use an indwelling catheter, proper hygiene and care should be taken to ensure the catheter tubing and urinary bag are cleaned properly and replaced as specified. It is also essential to ensure that catheters when inserted are done in a sterile manner.

Catheters may leak due to bladder spasms or if the catheter tubing is blocked disallowing flow of urine into the bag. Catheter leakage can also be because of infection, catheter encrustation or in the absence of elasticity of female urethra.

It is recommended not to shower wearing a catheter. It is also not advisable to shower with the leg straps on as they take a lot of time to dry. Besides, wet straps can lead to skin problems.