A catheter is attached to a patient’s body to collect urine. It works like a draining bag and comes in different types and sizes. Catheters can be made of PVC plastic, rubber, and silicone.

A patient needs a catheter when they are unable to clear their bladder by themselves. If one cannot empty their bladder, it can lead to urine build-up and impact negatively on the kidneys. The impact can be as bad as kidney failure and damage kidneys permanently. Thus, it is essential to buy quality products from the best catheter manufacturer.

Why do we need catheters?

Doctors recommend using catheters if:

  • You cannot control your urine
  • There are symptoms of urinary incontinence
  • You have urinary retention

People who are unable to urinate could suffer from problems like:

  • Prostate gland surgery
  • Surgery around the genital area
  • Injury in spinal cord
  • Bladder nerve injury
  • Mental impairment
  • Spina bifida
  • Medicines that weaken bladder muscles

Types of catheter technologies

You can choose from three different types of urinary catheters. These include:

  1. External catheters
  2. Indwelling catheters
  3. Short-term catheters

Let us find out how they are different from each other:

  1. Indwelling catheters

Indwelling catheters also go by the names foley catheter and suprapubic catheter. These reside inside the patient’s bladder. It is perfect for people who need to use catheters for a long span of time.

A healthcare expert needs to insert an indwelling catheter onto the bladder through the urethra. A small hole in the patient’s abdomen helps insert the indwelling catheter.

The catheter inflates into a tiny balloon filled with water. It keeps the tube stuck to the body and prevents sliding off. When you remove the catheter, the balloon deflates.

  1. External catheters

External catheters also go by the name condom catheters, and their usage is pretty straightforward.

Men who do not have issues with urinary retention can use this type of catheter. Most people suffering from mental ailments like dementia use this product.

Just like a condom cover, the product covers the male genitals. There is a tube to connect the catheter with a drainage bag.

The catheters offer comfort and have lesser risks of infection compared to indwelling catheters. However, these ones need daily replacement as they wear out quickly. Some catheter manufacturers might provide longer use. However, there are chances of skin issues with these compared to the ones that need daily replacement.

  1. Short-term catheters

Short-term catheters are intermittent catheters that people use for a short span of time. For example, if someone has surgery and needs to empty their bladders when they are unconscious, they will use this.

Once the patient empties their bladder, they take out the short-term catheter. These catheters are called the in-and-out catheters.

Final thoughts

Many people need the training to apply catheters by themselves for regular usage. It is either possible through the hole created in the lower abdomen of the patient or through the urethra. It is best to consult with a doctor to know the kind of product you might need to empty your bladders regularly and safely.

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