You might be wondering, what exactly is a urinary catheter? Urinary catheters play a key role in the management of urological conditions. Even though catheters are used frequently, many people are not familiar with the types of catheters and their uses. Today, we’re here to better your understanding of what a catheter is, the different types of catheters, and when they are used.  

What is a Urinary Catheter?

A urinary catheter is a flexible tube that is inserted into the bladder with the main purpose of draining urine. This flexible tube is crucial in assisting patients who cannot effectively empty their bladder on their own. Urine flows through the catheter into the drainage bag to effectively empty the bladder. Catheters are mostly used when patients have difficulty emptying their bladder on their own and in preparation for certain tests or pre- and post-surgery. The duration of the catheter's use can vary depending on the reason for needing it and the severity of the patient’s condition.  

What are the Different Types of Urinary Catheters?  

Indwelling Catheters (Foley)  

  • The name “indwelling” refers to the inside of the body, and indwelling catheters are typically left inside the body for a long period of time. The foley catheters are inserted into the urinary bladder, and the urine is drained from the bladder to a bag outside of the body. This type of catheter is mostly used in patients with urinary bladder malfunction, patients with mobility issues, and comatose patients.  

Male External Catheters  

  • Male external catheters are also referred to as “condom catheters.” This type of catheter does not require the assistance of a caregiver or medical professional and can be easily self-administered. Differently from indwelling catheters, the male external catheter stays outside of the body. This type of catheter typically needs to be changed daily and is mostly used in patients with functional or mental disabilities.  

Intermittent Catheters

  • Intermittent catheters are mostly used for shorter periods of time compared to indwelling catheters. This type of catheter can be self-administered and is commonly used pre- and post-surgery because it is a short-term catheter. Urine can be drained from the catheter into the toilet, urinal, or bag. The catheter can be inserted through the urethra or the abdomen.  

Closed System Catheters

  • A closed system catheter is a catheter that comes inside a self-contained bag, which makes the insertion process touch-free. This catheter can be easily self-administered, as the catheter itself is pre-lubricated and flexible. This type of catheter is commonly used for patients with urinary incontinence.  

Urinary catheters are widely used to manage and treat health conditions and for the preparation of surgeries and tests. After reading this blog, you can now understand the four different types of urinary catheters and when they are mostly used. At Piedmont Medical Solutions, we provide safe and reliable catheters and a team of experts ready to help you find the solutions you need and to lend you a helping hand along the way. To find out more about our available products and services, visit our website to view our online catalog or reach out to speak with a member of our team!