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A urinary catheter is a pliable tube that is made of silicone, PVC or rubber. It helps to drain the bladder and collect the urine in a bag. It is usually inserted in by professionals such as a doctor or nurse. Catheters are important in cases where one cannot spontaneously empty their bladder, and such complications can lead to pressure in the kidneys due to the accumulated waste in the bladder which can ultimately cause kidney failure. There are also many medical benefits that can come about from using a catheter, such as treating an overactive bladder and spinal cord injuries.
Choosing the right catheter is important for proper treatment. Here are 4 tips for choosing the best catheter.
The suitability of the length of catheter will vary depending on one’s sex due to the difference in the anatomy as females tend to have a shorter urethra than males. For males, a suitable catheter is usually around 16 inches or more. For females, a suitable catheter will be 6 to 8 inches.
The French gauge (Fr) is commonly used to determine the size of catheters. As the Fr number increases, the size of the catheter will also increase. Finding a suitable fit for your catheter may require some experimentation especially if this is your first time using one. Your primary care physician might offer some suggestions based on your requirements and comfort.
Furthermore, the sizing also differs based one’s sex, where males commonly use sizes 14 to 16 Fr and females commonly use size 10 to 12 Fr.
Catheter tips are categorized into two types: straight and coudé. A straight tip is perfectly straight from the top to the end with only a few holes at the end that helps to empty urine into the toilet. It is most commonly used and can be easily inserted into the urethra.
On the other hand, a coudé tip is uniquely designed with a slightly curved shape at the end which is able to slide past any hindrance such as any injuries, scarring or a swollen prostate. The urologist will advise attempting a coudé tip if the patient experiences any discomfort while using a straight tip catheter.
It is important to always lubricate your catheter as a dry catheter may cause abrasion, friction, and discomfort. There are different ways to lubricate your catheter, some individuals would prefer to lubricate it themselves such as using products that can be found easily over the counter.
Another convenient way to lubricate your catheter is to purchase a pre-lubricated catheter where it is already covered in sterile lubricant and can be used immediately upon opening it.
There are two different types of pre-lubricated catheters such as a hydrophilic catheter which has a polymeric coating and when this coating is submerged in water, it absorbs and adheres the water to the catheter.
The other type is a catheter with silicone oil coatings that is encased in a thin film of antibacterial oil, the antibacterial oil will further help to kill microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi which may grow causing further complications.
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