Getting Help Understanding Catheters

Understanding a condom catheter

What is A Catheter For When a Patient Has Certain Medical Conditions?

Using catheters is a discreet way of passing urine for patients who are incontinent or who have urine retention. Certain medical problems, such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or spina bifida. Catheters are small flexible tubes made of rubber or latex that are inserted into the bladder through the urethra. Catheters can be either disposable or reusable, but must be sterile before they can be used.

Indwelling Catheter Types 

Foley Catheter

The tube has two separated channels; one end drains out into a collection bag. The other has a valve on the outside and connects to a balloon at the tip. Foley catheters are the most responsible for urinary tract infections.

Intermittent

Intermittent catheters are mainly used for short term use. A straight catheter is a temporary catheter that has a straight tip most commonly used at medical facilities and homes nationwide in different sizes.

A coude catheter has a curved tip designed for more comfortable insertion. The tip can be attached to a wide variety of catheters for different types of purposes and procedures. The coude catheter comes in a range of sizes and is designed to be used by:

Medical staff and patients

People with bladder obstructions

Patients with narrowed urinary tracts

Male External Catheter or Condom Catheters

The major benefit when using an external catheter is that it reduces the occurrence of urinary tract infections.
They’re easy to change and clean on a more regular basis. Other benefits of using condom catheters are:

*Patients can change condom catheters themselves
*Very affordable
*Can be disposed of regularly

Condom catheters are held in place by adhesives, or straps and rings. The downside of adhesives is that they may lose their bonding ability with moisture and sweat. Other adhesives hold up to moisture, but may cause irritation, and in some cases, an allergic reaction. Condom catheters that use straps or rings can hold the catheter securely in place. For people who don’t like being restricted with straps, there are briefs that have a built-in catheter and can be worn as an alternative.

Urinal Collection Bag, or Leg Bag

All catheter requires a drainage bag, and they come in two main types.

The portable bag is discreetly worn around the leg under your pants.

A down drain is a larger bag that is typically used during the night which can be placed on the floor.

Patients who will need to wear a catheter will have to do research to find the right type of catheter for them, rather it’s an indwelling, intermittent, or external type. Once you get the understanding of the routine and care for using catheters, our online catheter company will do the rest. We are happy to educate people specifically about, what is a catheter for, proper insertion, and care cleaning their catheters. Because the cost of catheters is paid for by Medicare and insurance pay for them, no orders over the Internet are taken. Our company offers free samples of catheters. Customers can get monthly orders filled by contacting us online.