What You Should Look for When Buying a Catheter

Many people use catheters to manage their symptoms when dealing with incontinence. However, the first time you buy yourself some catheters online, it can feel a little confusing. There are many factors to consider, so we’re here to help simplify your purchasing process with this short guide on what to look for when buying catheters.

Decide on a Catheter Type

Before you start looking, the first thing you need to decide regarding your first catheter is which type you want to use. The two primary options are intermittent and indwelling. Intermittent catheters are the ones that you only use when in the bathroom. While you won’t have to wear them all day, you must insert them multiple times daily.

If you’d rather not have to reinsert your catheters constantly, you should get an indwelling one. These stay in for up to a month and collect urine in a leg bag. You’ll still need to empty your leg bag throughout the day, which some people prefer, but it mostly depends on your lifestyle.

Looking Into Tip Structure

On top of the different kinds of catheters, there are variations in the type of tip each can have. Generally, you’ll have to choose between straight and coudé tip. Catheters with a straight tip are exactly how they sound—the tube is perfectly straight and practical for most users. Coudé tips, on the other hand, have a bit of a curve to them. This allows users to more easily push the tip past any bumps some people might have in their urethra.

Consider the Length and Width

Depending on if you’re a man or a woman, you’ll need to find a catheter that fits your gender’s physical requirements. Fortunately, when searching for female or male catheters online, they’ll have the proper labels, but it’s still a good idea to know which size requirements you should look for beforehand.

Men will want something in the 16-inch range for length, whereas women should look for something around 5-6 inches. However, the width can be a bit more complicated to figure out because it uses the French scale. One French (fr) equals .33mm in diameter. Generally, men will need a catheter that’s 14-16fr, while women will need one that’s 10-12fr.

Choose a Lubrication Format

The final thing you should look for when buying a catheter is the type of lubrication your catheter of choice uses. In the past, this wasn’t an option. You’d purchase dry catheters and add the lubrication yourself. While this was effective, it was time-consuming and had a higher risk of infection.

Now you can buy pre-lubricated catheters that are much more straightforward to use. Since these have a hydrophilic coating, you won’t have to lubricate the catheter yourself. Of course, both options are readily available to consumers, so you can choose which one is better for you and your needs.