Thousands of Americans have symptoms of urinary incontinence. To help alleviate these symptoms, doctors often prescribe intermittent catheters to treat various bladder-related conditions, including retention and incontinence. Many people can use straight-tip catheters without any pain or discomfort. However, some people prefer a curved (coudé) tip catheter.
What is a Coudé Catheter and Why Use One?
Whenever a straight-tip catheter doesn’t quite fit you right, we recommend trying out coudé catheters. Coudé catheters are similar to traditional straight-tip catheters, but they have a curved, angled tip, which can improve and simplify the self-catheterization experience for patients who usually experience discomfort.
Common Reasons to Switch to Coudé Tip Catheters
- Cancer radiation in the pelvic area
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Urethral strictures or urethral trauma
- Prostate surgery
- Atrophic vagina
- Stoma or false passages
Most patients who use coudé tip catheters are males; therefore, most coudé catheter sizing is male or pediatric in length. Your doctor may still prescribe you coudé tip catheters regardless of your gender if your anatomy does not allow for painless, comfortable insertion with straight tip catheters.
Insurance and Coudé Tip Catheters
It is common for an insurance company that covers catheterization to also cover coudé catheters. This includes, but is not limited to, many state Medicaid programs, Medicare, and other private insurance policies. Your specific coverage dictates the type of catheters and the monthly amount.
Medicare will cover 200 catheters monthly, which allows patients to self-cath up to seven times per day. Coverage for coudé tip catheters requires additional documentation that states why the patient needs to use coudé catheters.
The Patient Care Medical catheter specialists are here to help if you are unsure what your insurance policy covers. We will work with your provider directly to find out how their catheter coverage works and discuss any out-of-pocket costs you may incur. We wish to make the self-cathing process as stress-free as possible, so do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Coudé Tip Catheter Insertion Instructions
Before starting to self-cath, you should gather all of the necessary supplies and wash both your hands and the insertion location with soap and warm water. You may also opt to use antiseptic wipes to disinfect the insertion location. You may also put on gloves to reduce further contamination.
- Lubricate the catheter with a sterile, water-soluble lubricant.
- Hold the catheter in one hand and your penis in the other, holding it 45 degrees away from your stomach.
- Slowly insert the catheter into your urethra. If you experience resistance, do not force the catheter and try to relax as best you can.
- Once urine begins to flow, slowly insert the catheter further. Now you may lower your penis to allow the urine to flow normally into the toilet.
- Once you stop urinating, remove the catheter slowly until it is fully removed.
- Dispose of all used catheter supplies.
What Are Some Common Types of Coudé Catheters?
Coudé catheters are made with the same materials as straight-tip catheters, such as red rubber latex, silicone, vinyl, or PVC. Coudé tips are also implemented into the majority of the most common types of catheters, including hydrophilic catheters, pre-lubricated catheters, uncoated intermittent catheters, pediatric-length catheters, and closed-system catheter kits.
Hydrophilic Catheters with Coudé Tip
Hydrophilic catheters feature a unique coating that allows the catheter to react upon exposure to water to self-lubricate. The catheter will remain lubricated throughout insertion, providing a painless and comfortable experience.
Uncoated Intermittent Catheters with Coudé Tip
The most common and basic type of catheter, uncoated intermittent catheters, allows you to lubricate them yourself to better control the amount of lubrication you desire. We carry uncoated intermittent coudé catheters that come in a variety of materials, including red rubber coudé catheters, soft silicone coudé catheters, and vinyl coudé catheters.
Closed System Catheter Kits with Coudé Tip
These catheter kits are perfect for patients who use wheelchairs and are constantly active and on the go. Our closed-system coudé catheter kits feature either a pre-lubricated or hydrophilic coudé catheter that comes with a self-contained collection bag. These kits are great options, especially if you want a comfortable, discreet, and convenient self-cathing experience.
Some of Our Popular Coudé Tip Catheters From Our Product Catalog
How Can I Buy Coudé Tip Catheters?
Our catheter specialists at Patient Care Medical work diligently to provide you with the catheter supplies that work best for you. Our online ordering system is easy to use and fast, allowing you to get your catheter supplies efficiently.
We carry a large selection of catheter types and brands and are happy to assist you every step of the way. From the required insurance paperwork to providing you with free samples to find your perfect fit, Patient Care Medical hopes to make your self-cathing experience as stress-free as possible. For more information, call our US-based representatives today or check out our product catalog!