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      All about catheters: Types, how to use and different products

      What is a catheter?

      A urinary catheter is medical device that looks like a soft hollow tube that is inserted into the urethra to drain urine. Catheters are sometimes necessary for people who cannot void conventionally. Urinary catheters are used to manage incontinence or urinary retention. Some people require a catheter for only a short period of time, while others, like older adults and people with permanent injuries, may need to use catheters indefinitely. Catheters come in many sizes and types.


      The following materials are used to make urinary catheters:  

      • Rubber 

      • Plastic  

      • Silicone 

      • Latex 

      • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 

      • Polyethylene

      Nowadays, the most common material is PVC. 

       

      Intermittent catheters 

      Unlike indwelling catheters, intermittent catheters are inserted into the bladder several times a day and then removed.

      They go in through the urethra and drain the bladder. Users of intermittent catheters are taught by healthcare professionals to perform self-catheterisation.  

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      The next generation catheter is here

      Designed for complete bladder emptying 1 and reduced risk of urinary tract infections 2



      Do you find yourself worrying about completely emptying your bladder during catheterisation? Or do you find it time-consuming and cumbersome to adjust your catheter? Or do you worry about urinary tract infections?



      Our Luja intermittent catheter sets a new standard for bladder emptying and is designed to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.

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      Illustration Luja Micro-hole Zone complete emptying

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


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      How to choose the right catheter


      Choosing the right catheter involves considering various factors, including the individual’s medical diagnosis, anatomical characteristics, lifestyle and preferences. Some key considerations may include:


      Type of catheter: Whether the person requires long-term or short-term catheterisation, their healthcare provider will recommend a suitable catheter type, for example, an intermittent catheter or an indwelling catheter.

      Length: Catheter size refers to its diameter, which is measured in French units. The size one should choose depends on the size of the urethra as well as presence of obstructions. Catheter length depends on the patient’s anatomy with shorter catheters mainly used for female patients and longer catheters for male patients.

      Material: Catheters can be made of a variety of materials including latex, silicone, plastic and PVC. Potential allergies and sensitivities to these materials need to be taken into consideration when choosing a catheter.

      Tip design:  Straight tip is suitable for most users. Coudé tip (curved tip) is designed to navigate past obstructions in the urethra, which makes it suitable for users with anatomical abnormalities.

      Coating: Some catheters come with lubricating coating in order to reduce friction during insertion and minimise the risk of trauma.

      Lifestyle and personal preference: Personal preference, daily routine and activity level are also important when selecting a catheter. For example, such factors as discretion, ease of use and portability may influence a patient's choice. Choosing the right catheter is very important. Catheter users may need to try different catheters to see which one suits them best.

      Choosing the right catheter is very important. Catheter users may need to try different catheters to see which one suits them best.   

      Coloplast produces a variety of catheters suitable for male and female anatomy. Please refer to the website in order to view available products and order a free sample: 

      If you have questions or concerns and would like advice on which products might be the best fit for you, please don't hesitate to contact us at +61 395411111 

      Alternatively you can use our Catheter Finder tool

      How to use a catheter  

      The procedure of using a catheter depends on the type. A healthcare professional should provide a patient with guidance on how to properly use the catheter type prescribed. However, the general steps for self-cathetarisation include: 


      1. Preparation: Finding a comfortable and private space for the procedure, ensuring proper hygiene and gathering all the necessary supplies.


      2. Positioning: Assuming a comfortable position.


      3. Catheter inspection and preparation: Confirming the catheter doesn’t have any damage or defects, applying lubricating jelly to the tip of the catheter.


      4. Catheter insertion: Gently inserting the catheter into the urethra.


      5. Hygiene: Ensuring proper hygiene of the genital area and washing the hands again.

      Watch our self-catheterisation guides for men,       women and children for easy guidance on how to use Coloplast catheters:         


      Living with a urinary catheter

      Catheter users are able to lead full and satisfying lives, though a catheter may require some getting used to. Having a urinary catheter should not prevent you from engaging in most of your usual activities.

      Your healthcare provider will tell when it's safe for you to go back to work, exercise, travel, swim and have sex. Upon discharge from the hospital your healthcare provider will instruct you on how to use and care for your specific catheter type.

      Usually, you would also be given a supply of catheter equipment and information on where to get more equipment. Catheters are usually available on prescription from pharmacies.

      Preventing UTIs and other complications  

      Since UTI is the most common side effect of using a catheter, you may be wondering how you can avoid UTIs and generally make your catheter usage experience as comfortable as possible. 

      To minimise the risk of UTIs and other issues, such as blockages, you may want to adhere to the following recommendations: 

      • Wash the genital area, especially the area where the catheter is inserted, every day using water and mild soap. 

      • Wash your hands thoroughly before and after catheterisation.  

      • Stay hydrated (drink enough fluids and make sure your urine is a pale colour). 

      • Make sure to avoid constipation (this includes drinking enough water and including high-fibre foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits into your diet). 

      • Always inspect the catheter before using it. Make sure it doesn’t have any bends or kinks.   

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       Potential complications of catheter use  

      Self-catheterisation can be a safe and effective way to manage bladder dysfunction and maintain urinary continence. However, proper insertion requires education and training. If you need to learn to self-catheterise, reach out to your healthcare provider for advice and support.   

      There are some risks associated with catheter usage (for example, due to improper handling, improper insertion or natural predisposition)including:

      • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)  

      • Bladder or urethral trauma   

      • Blockage (by blood clots, mucus or sediment) 

      • Bladder spasms  

      • Tissue damage (microtrauma)   

      • Allergic reaction to the materials used in the catheter  

      UTIs are the most common side effect of catheter usage. The symptoms of a UTI may include:  

      • Pain or burning sensation during urination  

      • Frequent urination  

      • Sudden urge to urinate 

      • Lower abdominal or pelvic pain 

      • Blood in urine  

      • Cloudy urine  

      • Foul-smelling urine  

      • Fever 

      • Headache 

      • Chills  

      • Back pain or pain in the sides 

      UTI risk factors include the following:  

      • Gender: Female anatomy is believed to be more predisposed to UTIs than male anatomy.  

      • Pregnancy: Pregnancy is one of the risk factors associated with UTIs.  

      • Menopause :Decreased oestrogen levels can lead to changes in the urinary tract, making post-menopausal women more susceptible to contracting UTIs.  

      • Age: Elderly people tend to contract UTIs more frequently due to weakened immune systems, decreased mobility, or underlying medical conditions.  

      • Previous UTIs : A history of recurrent UTIs is a risk factor for developing further UTIs.  

      • Certain types of birth control: Some types of birth control, such as diaphragms, cervical caps and spermicides can increase the risk of UTIs. 

      • Sexual activity: Sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, increasing the risk of UTI.  

      • Personal hygiene: Poor hygiene practices or infrequent changing of urinary catheters or collection bags can increase the risk of UTI.  

      Get support and education when you need it with Coloplast Care 

      Coloplast’s mission is to help make life easier for people with intimate healthcare needs. We created Coloplast Care - a free support program – where we offer nurse-validated information as well as personalised support so you can live the life you want. No matter where you are in your continence journey, whether you’ve used a catheter for a long time or you’re about to begin using one, you can enrol in the program and get advice on how to stay healthy and gain confidence in your new catheterisation routine. Thousands have benefited from Care and you can too. 

       

      Learn more about Coloplast Care today:

       

      Coloplast Care - Coloplast

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