Tag Archive for: catheters

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How to Use a Female Catheter

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

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.

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!

 

 

Intermittent vs. Indwelling vs. External Catheters: Which Is Right for You?

Catheters are used to manage urinary retention and incontinence by emptying the bladder. The exact type of catheter – intermittent vs. indwelling vs. external – will depend upon the underlying bladder condition, the goals of treatment, and gender appropriateness.

Complications such as recurring UTIs (urinary tract infections) and sepsis have been directly linked to the length of time a catheter is inserted. So when it comes to the different types of catheter applications, how do you know which is right for you?

Intermittent Catheters

Intermittent catheters are inserted into the bladder via the urethra. They have proven to be the most effective and practical means of emptying the bladder for patients over the last several decades.

Indwelling Catheters

Indwelling catheters, sometimes referred to as “Foleys,” are closed drainage systems held in the bladder with a retention balloon. These catheters are used to relieve long-term urinary retention. The system includes soft, flexible tubes that have double lumens: one for urine drainage and the other for inflating/deflating the retention balloon.

External Catheters

External catheters are condom-like sheaths applied over the penis and connected to a drainage bag. They are primarily used by men who experience urinary incontinence. The most popular external catheters are disposable and need to be changed every 24-48 hours. They can be washed and reused, but are not as durable as other self-cathing solutions.

Sampling Different Types of Catheters

Don’t settle for the same catheter you were prescribed day one. Pre-lubricated, hydrophilic, easy-hold grippers – experience the modern advancements in today’s catheters for yourself! Start by ordering free samples through your Treatment Specialist. Together you can make the best decision and establish a delivery schedule!

With RA Fischer, you’ll never wonder if your supplies will be on time, or whom you can reach out to for support.