Your Guide to Urinary Catheters
Urinary catheters are medical devices that help empty the bladder when it cannot do so naturally. This can be a safe and effective solution for managing bladder health, whether due to urinary retention, surgery, injury, or chronic conditions.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common types of urinary catheters, how they’re used, and how to find the right product for your needs.
Need help finding the right urinary catheters for you? Call us at (888) 726-5066 or fill out the secure sample form here. We're ready to help!
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Your Guide to Urinary Catheter Supplies
Finding the right catheter can be a game-changer for comfort and ease. Here’s a breakdown of the main components of urinary intermittent catheters:
1. Urinary Catheter Insertion Tips
- Straight Tip Catheters — The most common style for smooth, easy insertion.
- Coudé Tip Catheters — Slightly curved tips designed to navigate blockages or enlarged prostates.
Your prescribing healthcare provider can help determine the best insertion tip type for you.
2. Drainage Eyelets
These small openings near the catheter’s tip allow urine to drain from the bladder. Modern intermittent catheters have smooth, polished eyelets designed to reduce friction.
3. Color-Coded Catheter Funnels for Catheter French Sizes
The opposite end of the catheter features a funnel or connector that attaches to a urine receptacle, such as a portable urinal or drainage bag. Funnel colors are standardized to reflect different French sizes for easy identification.
Urinary catheters are measured in French sizes based on the tube’s diameter, ranging from pediatric sizes (as small as 5 Fr) to adult sizes up to 24 Fr. The right French size ensures proper urine flow without discomfort or leakage.
4. Catheter Lengths
Intermittent urinary catheters typically come in three different lengths:
- Male catheters (16”)
- Female catheters (6”-8”)
- Pediatric catheters (6”-12”)
Pediatric and female intermittent catheters are typically shorter in length due to women’s and children’s shorter urethras.
What Are the Main Types of Urinary Catheters?
Straight Catheters
- The most common type of catheter, inserted temporarily to drain the bladder and then removed.
- Available in vinyl, silicone, and red rubber materials.
- Must be lubricated before use and are widely covered by insurance.
Hydrophilic Catheters
- Coated with a water-activated surface that becomes slick and reduces friction.
- Great for people who experience discomfort with traditional catheters or who cath multiple times a day.
Closed System Catheters
- All-in-one sterile catheter kits with an integrated collection bag.
- Help reduce the risk of UTIs and are ideal for users who travel or have limited mobility.
Who Needs Urinary Catheters?
Urinary catheters are commonly prescribed for individuals with medical conditions like:
- Neurogenic bladder
- Urinary retention
- Enlarged prostate (BPH)
- Spinal cord injury
- Spina bifida
- Post-surgical bladder management
- Other conditions causing difficulty with bladder function
Are Urinary Catheters Covered By Insurance?
Yes, most insurance plans today cover urinary catheters with a valid prescription and documented medical necessity. This includes Medicare, many state Medicaid programs, and a wide variety of private insurance plans.
At Patient Care Medical, we can verify your coverage to determine what your insurance will cover. We'll also work directly with your prescribing healthcare provider and get any required paperwork. We try to make the process as easy as possible.
Choose From the Leading Catheter Brands
Patient Care Medical carries all the leading catheter brands, including BD™, Cure™, Coloplast, GentleCath™, Hollister, Rusch, LoFric®, and more!
