Tag Archive for: urology
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.
The Process of Scheduling a Telehealth Consultation
Today, more patients are gravitating toward telehealth solutions for their reliability, convenience, and affordability. You no longer have to wait weeks or months to see a specialist. Online questionnaires, photo submissions, and video chats with experienced professionals allow patients to be seen the same day from their own homes.
If you need to speak to a professional about your hyperhidrosis, urological needs, mental health, or just general well-being, what does the process of scheduling a telehealth consultation look like?
For General Health
Our partners at CallonDoc have served over half-a-million patients. Their 100% online, flat-fee consultation has simplified the telehealth experience for all patients. Whether it’s excessive sweating, mental health, or chronic health issues, CallonDoc can pair you with the appropriate professional to get you the answers you need.
- Complete a 5-minute online questionnaire that is submitted to a licensed medical provider for review. If applicable, a phone call, text, or video chat may be needed.
- Once completed, the prescription is sent directly to the provider, or pharmacy, or delivered to your doorstep.
- Order and receive the equipment or supplies you need
CallonDoc’s consultations are available on the same day, 7 days a week!
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For Urology
While many aspects of urology require a traditional hands-on examination, the field is perfectly suited for telehealth. Today, adult and pediatric patients alike rely on teleurologists for online consultations.
In some cases, your initial online consultation might precede a hands-on exam, allowing your doctor to review your symptoms and medical history before prescribing a solution. Other urologic conditions, on the other hand, can be diagnosed and treated entirely online.
A telehealth appointment with a urologist may be appropriate in the following situations:
- Diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to straight-tip catheter use
- Monitoring of lab results for urinary retention due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
- Post-treatment monitoring of Peyronie’s disease (PD)
- Monitoring of vesicoureteral reflux (urinary reflux) in infants and children
- Follow-up consultation for prostatitis (prostate inflammation)
- Preoperative and postoperative consultations for bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer
For Dermatology
SkyMD is a dermatology-focused telehealth provider. Their group of board-certified tele-dermatologists evaluates, diagnoses, and prescribes solutions for dozens of skin conditions, from hyperhidrosis to psoriasis.
- To start a new consultation, take a photo of the affected area(s) and upload it to the SkyMD portal
- Enter some basic information, such as how long your symptoms have persisted and what prescriptions you’re currently using or have been prescribed in the past
- A dermatologist contacts you regarding your evaluation and treatment plan
- Chat back and forth with the dermatologist in real time until all your questions have been answered
While telehealth may have once been seen as a short-term solution to alleviate the burden of COVID-19 on hospitals, today it is revolutionizing the patient experience. It may not be a complete substitution for personal attention (that’s where our Treatment Specialists here come in), but if you’re experiencing long wait times at your local doctor, don’t hesitate to schedule a telehealth consultation!