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How to Use a Female Catheter

How To Use A Female Catheter

Using an intermittent catheter can be an effective way for a female patient to manage urinary incontinence or difficulty urinating. Here is a brief overview of how a female patient might use an intermittent catheter:

STEP ONE

First, the patient should wash her hands thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.

STEP TWO

Next, the patient should find a comfortable, private place to insert the catheter. She may want to sit on the toilet or use a clean, flat surface such as a bathroom counter or bedside table.

STEP THREE

The patient should open the packaging for the catheter and assemble all of the necessary supplies, including lubricant, a sterile collection bag, and any other equipment recommended by her healthcare provider.

STEP FOUR

Catheters come either uncoated, hydrophilic, or pre-lubricated. The patient should apply lubricant to the catheter and gently insert it into the urethra. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and to avoid forcing the catheter, as this can cause discomfort or injury.

STEP FIVE

Once the catheter is inserted, the patient should drain the urine into a toilet, or gently push down on the collection bag to allow urine to flow into it. She should empty the bag as needed, and dispose of it in a safe, hygienic manner.

STEP SIX

After the patient has finished urinating, she should carefully remove the catheter and dispose of it in a safe manner. She should then clean the area around the urethra with soap and water, and dry it thoroughly.

STEP SEVEN

It is important for the patient to follow her healthcare provider’s instructions for using and caring for the intermittent catheter. This may include regular cleaning and disinfection of the catheter and collection bag, as well as regular checkups to monitor for any potential complications.

In conclusion, using an intermittent catheter can be an effective way for a female patient to manage urinary incontinence or difficulty urinating. By following the steps outlined above and working closely with her healthcare provider, the patient can use the catheter safely and effectively.

3-Day Free Sample Pack

For patients looking to switch catheters, or who aren’t sure which catheter is right for them. Our Treatment Specialists curate every 3-day free sample pack around your needs.

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Common Mistakes Patients Make When Self-Catheterizing

Self-catheterization is a common practice for people with urinary incontinence or other conditions that affect the ability to urinate. This procedure is often performed by individuals with conditions that prevent them from fully emptying their bladder, such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or urinary incontinence

While self-catheterization can provide a sense of independence and control over one’s own healthcare, it’s important to understand that it’s a medical procedure that requires careful attention to detail to avoid complications. In this article, we’ll discuss some common mistakes that patients make when self-catheterizing and offer tips on how to avoid them.

Cleaning

One of the most common mistakes that patients make when self-catheterizing is not properly cleaning the area around the urethra. This can lead to infection, which can be very serious and even life-threatening. To avoid this, it’s important to thoroughly clean the area around the urethra with soap and water before inserting the catheter. Be sure to rinse off all the soap and dry the area thoroughly before inserting the catheter.

Sizing

Another mistake that patients often make is not using the correct size of catheter. If the catheter is too small, it can cause discomfort and difficulty in insertion. On the other hand, if the catheter is too large, it can cause damage to the urethra. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the correct size of catheter for your specific needs.

Prepping

Some patients also make the mistake of not properly preparing the catheter before inserting it. This can lead to the catheter getting stuck or not working properly, which can be very frustrating and even dangerous. To avoid this, it’s important to carefully follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the catheter, and to make sure that the catheter is properly lubricated and ready for use before attempting to insert it.

Experiencing pain when inserting or removing your intermittent catheter?

It’s important to use plenty of lubrication on the catheter and the area around the urethra before inserting it.

There are several styles – from pre-lubricated to hydrophilic-coated catheters.

So start out with a 3-Day Free Sample Pack to decide which style is best for you.

Positioning

Another common mistake patients make is failing to properly position themselves during the procedure. It is important to sit on the toilet or a chair with a footstool, and to relax your pelvic muscles to make insertion easier. Some patients also find it helpful to take deep breaths and to use a mirror to guide the insertion of the catheter.

Disposal

Finally, some patients do not properly dispose of the catheter. Do not flush the catheter down the toilet as this can cause blockages. You’ll want to discard the catheter and packaging in a trash receptacle.

What Are the Different Sizes & Styles of Pediatric Intermittent Catheters?

Pediatric intermittent catheters are an important tool in managing the urinary incontinence of children. These catheters come in a variety of sizes and styles, each designed to suit the unique needs of a child.

In addition to size, pediatric intermittent catheters also come in a variety of styles. Some of the most common styles include straight tip catheters, coude tip catheters, and hydrophilic catheters.

Straight Tip

Straight tip catheters are the most basic style of intermittent catheter. They are designed with a simple, straight tip that allows for easy insertion into the urethra. These catheters are typically made of a flexible material, such as latex or silicone, which makes them comfortable to use.

Coude Tip

Coude tip catheters, on the other hand, are designed with a curved tip. This unique shape allows the catheter to navigate around any obstructions in the urinary tract, making them a good option for children with abnormalities or scarring in the urinary tract.

Hydrophilic Catheters

Hydrophilic catheters, also known as self-lubricating catheters, are coated with a special gel that makes them easy to insert. These catheters are particularly useful for children who have difficulty lubricating the catheter themselves or for those who may have limited dexterity in their hands.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best size and style of pediatric intermittent catheter for a child.
The provider will consider factors such as the child’s age, size, and any underlying medical conditions when making a recommendation.

Straight Tip vs Coude Tip Catheters: Which Is the Right Choice for You?

Millions of people live with urinary incontinence and/or retention issues. To help alleviate symptoms, urologists often prescribe intermittent catheters. Patients will traditionally begin with a straight tip catheter. However, for those who may experience discomfort or regular urinary tract infections, a curved, or coude tip catheter may be the choice for you.

When Your Catheter Doesn’t Fit Quite Right

Whenever a straight tip catheter doesn’t fit quite right, our Treatment Specialsts recommend trying a sample of our coude tip catheters. Coude catheters are like their traditional straight tip counterparts, only they feature a curved, angled tip. This can improve and simplify the self-catheterization experience for patients who experience regular discomfort.

Coude tip catheters are most popular among male and pediatric patients. Other common medical issues that may require patients may make the switch from their straight tip catheter:

  • Cancer radiation in the pelvic area
  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
  • Urethral strictures or urethral trauma
  • Prostate surgery
  • Atrophic vagina
  • Stoma or false passages

Insurance Coverage for Coude Tips

Insurance companies like Medicare and Medicade that cover catheterizations also cover coude tip catheters. Your policy dictates what type of catheters and the monthly amount that will be covered. For example, Medicare covers 200 catheters monthly, allowing patients to self-cath up to 7x per day.

Insurance coverage for coude tip catheters, however, require additional documentation that outlines why the change from a straight tip is medically necessary. Some common reasons cited include discomfort and/or recurring infections. If you need a referral to a urologist to prescribe a coude tip catheter, contact our Treatment Specialists who can connect you with a telehealth provider.

Not sure what exactly your insurance covers? Our Treatment Specialists are here to help. We work with insurance companies on your behalf and can review your eligibility, including out-of-pocket options. Every patient is assigned a personal Treatment Specialists who serves as their single point of contact moving forward. Soon, you’ll probably be on a first name basis with them!

Different Types of Coude Tip Catheters

Our coude tip catheters are all made with the same chemical-free materials as straight tip catheters. They are DEHP/DINP & BPA-Free. There are several different varieties of coude tip catheters, including:  

  • Uncoated intermittent catheters are the starting point for most patients, allow you to control the exact amount of lubricant applied
  • Hydrophilic catheters, which feature a unique coating that self-lubricates the catheter upon exposure to water
  • Closed-system catheter kits also include a self-contained collection bag and are preferred by patients who have suffered spinal cord injuries or live with neurogenic incontinence.

Sample a Coude Tip Catheter

Here at RA Fischer, our Treatment Specialists can provide you with coude tip catheter samples so you can tangibly experience the differences firsthand. Our ordering process is 100% online, and with monthly subscriptions available, you can “set and forget” your essential urology supplies.  

Get started by reviewing your insurance coverage and/or out-of-pocket options with a Treatment Specialist today! 

Uncoated vs. Pre-Lubricated vs. Hydrophilic Catheters: Which Is the Right Choice For You?

If you’ve been living with urinary retention or neurogenic incontinence, your doctor has probably prescribed the use of an intermittent catheter to empty your bladder. Lubricating the catheter prior to insertion is the key to minimizing discomfort while self-cathing.

Patients nowadays have three primary options: uncoated, pre-lubricated, or hydrophilic catheters. What are the differences, and how do you know which is the right choice for you?

Uncoated Catheters

Uncoated intermittent catheters are the standard and most common you’ll find. These allow you to lubricate the catheter yourself so that you can better control the amount that’s applied. A sterile lubricant like Surgilube is a common recommendation our Treatment Specialists make.

Pre-Lubricated Catheters

Pre-lubricated catheters are covered in a gel-like, sterile lubricant. They are single-use and ready to go right out of the packaging. Here at RA Fischer, we carry the Cure Ultra catheter, which is coated in a “no drip” lubricant.

Another design benefit of the Cure Ultra catheter is the no-roll funnel. This allows you to place your catheter down on a flat sterile surface – such as an underpad (included in our Home Kits) – without it rolling off. The texture of the Cure Ultra funnel as well as the texture of the gripper sleeve works well even if you deal with dexterity issues in your hands.

Hydrophilic Catheters

Hydrophilic catheters feature a proprietary coating that reacts to water, self-lubricating the catheter within the unopened packaging. The catheter remains lubricated throughout the self-cathing experience.

There are two types of hydrophilic catheters:

  • Packet Breaking. Simply fold the packaging to break a packet of the sterile solution, coating the catheter. Just wait 30 seconds for the lubrication to be fully activated.
  • No Packet Breaking. The solution is already inside the packaging, meaning the catheter lubrication is already activated. No need to break the packet and wait 30 seconds before the catheter is ready to use.

Examples of no-packet-breaking, ready-to-use catheters are the GentleCath or Cure Twist. They can be covered by your insurance or ordered online with a monthly subscription.

The Most Important Differences

With uncoated catheters, there is no sterile water or saline solbeforeution. The lubricant is purchased individually and is more of a gel, so it won’t drip. Lubrication is key because when a catheter is inserted, it can cause micro-trauma to the urethral tissues if improperly coated. This not only feels uncomfortable, but it also increases the risks of developing a UTI (urinary tract infection).

Pre-lubricated and hydrophilic catheters are both quick to open and easy to insert. The main advantage a pre-lubricated catheter like the Cure Ultra has is the “no-drip and less-mess” experience. Remember: you’re not always going to be self-catheterizing at home, so a self-cathing solution that’s easy to use is an important thing to consider.

If you’re self-cathing more than once a day, we recommend talking to your doctor or one of our Treatment Specialists about switching to a pre-lubricated or hydrophilic catheter.

Sampling Different Types of Catheters

Choosing the right catheter is in the details, some of which are tangible. No roll funnels, easy-hold grippers, no-drip lubricant – experience the differences for yourself by ordering free samples through your personal Treatment Specialist. Together you can make the best decision and establish a delivery schedule, so you never have to worry about your supplies or support ever again!