Close-up photograph product image of one of RA Fischer Co.'s catheters for urological care. It has a green gripper sleeve.

September 25, 2023

By Daniel Moyer

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

UNCOATED | PRE-LUBRICATED | HYDROPHILIC
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?

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Picture of a telemedicine appointment from RA Fischer, a doctor talks to a patient virtually. Patient is pictured on the computer screen. Doctor is wearing a white lab coat and is writing on a clipboard.

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.

Picture of a box of the Cure Ultra pre-lubricated intermittent catheters from RA Fischer. Next to it is one catheter. Picture reads >pre-lubricated, >smooth eyelets, >we support medical research, >not made with DEHP, >not made with natural rubber latex. Below is the address for manufacturer

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.

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.

Image showing a RA Fischer Co. Cure brand catheter box on a white background. In the foreground, there is a catheter with a green grip. The box is labeled 'Cure Catheter. 16" Sterile Intermittent Urinary Catheter with Funnel End. Hydrophilic Coated with water packet and gripper. Not made with natural rubber latex. Not made with DEHP. Polished eyelets. We support medical research.'

THE MOST IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES

With uncoated catheters, there is no sterile water or saline solution. 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 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 about switching to a pre-lubricated or hydrophilic catheter.

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