A Guide to Female Catheters: Types and Tips for Proper Care 

A female catheter is a medical device designed to assist women with urinary issues to empty their bladder if they aren’t able to do so conventionally due to chronic disease, temporary health issues, surgery or trauma. Catheters can be essential for maintaining comfort and health.  

Types Of Female Catheters

Just like male catheters, female catheters come in several variations, each designed for specific needs and medical conditions. Only your healthcare provider can help you choose the right catheter for your unique situation. All information below is for educational purposes only.

1.Indwelling catheters Also known as Foley catheter, this catheter remains in the bladder for an extended period of time. It has a small balloon at the end that is inflated once inside the bladder to keep the catheter in place. It is usually inserted and replaced by a healthcare professional. Indwelling catheters are used for long-term catheterization and are usually recommended after surgery, during serious illness or for people with chronic bladder dysfunction. Potential complications of using an indwelling catheter include infections, so regular checkups are recommended.

2.Intermittent catheters Intermittent catheterization involves inserting and removing a catheter multiple times daily to empty the bladder. The goal of intermittent catheterization is to drain urine from a bladder that does not empty normally. This method is widely recommended as an effective bladder management strategy for people with incomplete bladder emptying due to idiopathic or neurogenic bladder conditions. In order to safely and effectively use an intermittent catheter, one needs to learn the technique and maintain impeccable hygiene. Proper hygiene and technique are crucial since one of the common complications of intermittent catheter use is urinary tract infections (UTI).

3.Female urinary pouches (external catheters) Simply put, female urinary pouches are non-invasive collection devices. They collect urine into a collection bag without insertion into the urethra. External catheters may be preferable for women who can’t use intermittent catheters or have a high risk of infection. They are considered easy to use and aren’t associated with the same kind of discomfort as intermittent catheters.

4.Suprapubic catheters Suprapubic catheters are inserted directly into the bladder through a small incision in the abdomen, bypassing the urethra. These are typically used when urethral catheterization is impossible due to blockage or injury. This catheter type requires meticulous care and regular checkups to avoid infections.

To request samples and find out more about Luja Female, please fill out your details below and a Coloplast Team Member will contact you soon.