Catheters are the most effective method of removing urine from the bladder. There are a variety of reasons for needing a catheter and there are a variety of urinary catheter types. Learning about the different types will help you to make the best decision. Each of these types of Catheter Equipment serves the same purpose but use different methods.
You’ll find a variety of urinary catheter types – indwelling, condom, and intermittent. Each of these serves a different purpose for one main goal which is to remove the urine from the bladder. Learning about them will help you to reduce many avoidable risks such as infection.
Intermittent catheters are generally used for short term use and are removed after the flow of urine stops while indwelling catheters are placed into the bladder and left there. Some of the procedures of inserting them into the bladder through the urethra can be very uncomfortable. There is also an increased risk of urinary tract infections associated with different types of urinary catheter types, such as with the indwelling.
Condom catheters will greatly reduce the risk of urinary tract infection in men by 80% over the indwelling type. Not to mention that the condom type is much more comfortable and offers no pain. The indwelling catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra and causes a great amount of discomfort and increases the risk of an infection.
All urinary catheter types require a drainage bag to store the urine. You’ll find two types of bags – a leg bag and down drain bag. The leg bag is used while you are out. It is easily concealed on your leg. While the down drain bag is used primarily at night or for extended periods of time. It will either be hung on your bed or placed on the floor alongside your bed. Drainage bags need to be emptied every 8 hours or sooner if full. If the bag is not emptied there is a chance that the urine will flow back into the bladder which can lead to many problems. You may also need other types of Catheter Equipment.
The drainage bag also needs to be cleaned properly. You can clean it by soaking it in vinegar that is diluted in water for 20 minutes. Talk to a medical professional to ensure you are properly cleaning the drainage bag as well as the catheter. It will need to be removed from the catheter and emptied when it is full; often this is every 8 hours to prevent it from going back into the bladder.
Learning more about the different urinary catheter types will allow you to find the best one to suit your needs. You want Home Medical Products that will offer you comfort as well as convenience. Once you find the right brand and type it’s important that you learn how to properly care for and clean the Intermittent Catheters. Improper care will definitely lead to problems that could have been avoided. You should talk with your nurse and learn more about proper care by reading online.
