No More Accidents: Tips for Choosing the Best Catheter
Urinary incontinence affects between one-third and one-fourth of adults. Although common, involuntary urine leaks can affect your quality of life and increase the risk of other health problems, like rashes and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
One of the easiest ways to combat urinary incontinence is with a catheter. But if you’ve never used one, it can be difficult to choose a catheter that meets your or your loved one’s needs. Knowing about the different types of catheters, their uses, and their benefits, can help you make an informed decision. Here are our tips for choosing the best catheter.
What Is a Catheter?
A catheter is a thin, hollow tube made of rubber, plastic, or silicone that helps drain urine from the bladder. If someone is unable to urinate on their own, waste builds up in the bladder, placing pressure on the kidneys. Without a way to relieve that pressure, life-threatening conditions may occur, including kidney failure.
Why Use a Catheter?
You may benefit from using a catheter if you have a health problem that affects urinary function. Examples include:
Urinary incontinence (the inability to control urination)
Overactive bladder
Urinary retention (the inability to empty the bladder)
An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
Dementia
Spinal cord injuries
Nerve damage
Spina bifida
Sometimes, catheters are prescribed to people who take medications that impair the bladder muscles. For example, muscle relaxants.
What Are the Types of Catheters?
Catheters fall into four primary categories –– external, intermittent, indwelling, and suprapubic. Here's a quick overview of each:
External catheters
External catheters were originally designed for men and look similar to a condom. They fit comfortably over the tip of the penis and draw urine from the bladder into a collection bag. Over the last decade, several companies have developed external catheters for women.
Intermittent catheters
Intermittent catheters are removable and allow for self-catheterization. They’re pre-lubricated for comfort and can be emptied into a toilet, eliminating the need for a urine collection bag, while encouraging a more active lifestyle.
Indwelling (Foley) catheters
Indwelling catheters are designed for overnight use. They’re inserted through the urethra and have a small inflatable balloon on the end, preventing the catheter from slipping out. During sleep, urine drains into a collection bag that hangs on the side of the bed or an end table.
Suprapubic catheters
Suprapubic catheters are for long-term use. They’re inserted into a small incision in the abdomen during minimally invasive surgery. Once placed, suprapubic catheters drain the bladder for up to a month. This type of catheter is ideal for those who are immobile or wheelchair-bound.
What Factors Should I Consider When Buying a Catheter?
It’s important to consider several factors, including length, size, tip design, and lubrication to ensure a catheter meets your or your loved one’s needs. Let’s take a closer look at each feature:
Length
The length of a catheter depends on who it’s designed for. Male catheters are typically 16 inches or longer, while female catheters are between six and eight inches.
Size
Catheters are sized using a measurement called the French gauge (Fr). One increment on the French gauge equates to ⅓ millimeters. The higher the Fr number, the greater the catheter’s diameter.
If you’re new to wearing catheters, finding a comfortable fit may take some trial and error. Your primary care physician can make recommendations that align with your needs.
Tip design
Catheters come in several sizes, but most men wear a size 14-16 Fr, and most women wear a size 10-12 Fr.
Catheter tips come in two styles –– straight or coudé.
Straight catheters are the most common type and slip comfortably into the urethra.
Coudé catheters have a slightly curved tip. This design helps the catheter slide past obstructions like scarring or an enlarged prostate.
Lubrication
Inserting a dry catheter into the urethra isn’t just uncomfortable, it also increases the risk of cuts, friction, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections. To prevent these and other issues, it’s important to use a lubricant.
Some people choose to self-lubricate their catheters with over-the-counter products like K-Y™ or Surgilube®. Others use pre-lubricated catheters, of which there are two types:
Hydrophilic catheters have a thin plastic coating that becomes smooth when dipped in water.
Silicone oil-coated catheters are enveloped in a thin layer of antimicrobial oil
How Do I Keep a Catheter Clean?
It’s important to clean your or your loved one’s catheter daily to prevent urinary tract infections. Cleaning instructions vary, depending on the type of catheter you use:
How to clean an intermittent catheter
Most intermittent catheters are single-use and should be thrown away after urinating. However, if you have a reusable intermittent catheter, you must clean it after each use.
You will need:
Antibacterial soap
Warm water
Sink or washtub
Clean towel
Carrying case, such as a plastic bag, a toothbrush holder, or a pencil case
After urinating, remove the catheter and wash your hands with soap and warm water. Then, fill the sink or a washtub with soap and warm water. Rinse the catheter inside and out, making sure you see soap bubbles inside the catheter tube. Rinse the soap off the catheter and dry it with a clean towel. You can also air-dry it if you aren’t in a rush.
Once the catheter is dry, store it in a portable case for easy transport.
How to clean an indwelling, external, or suprapubic catheter
If you use an indwelling, external, or suprapubic catheter, clean it twice daily: once in the morning and once at night.
You will need:
Clean washcloth
Mild antibacterial soap
Sink or washtub
Warm water
Clean towel.
First, wash your hands with soap and water. Then, get the washcloth wet and lather it with soap. Run the soapy washcloth along the catheter tube from where it enters your body to the point where it connects to the drainage bag.
Afterward, carefully wipe down the skin around your genitals and gently pat them dry. When you’re finished, place the towel and washcloth in the laundry and wash your hands a second time with soap and warm water.
What Are Some of the Best Catheters?
At Carewell, we carry several types of catheters. Below, we’ve listed a few of our most popular offerings. Each entry features a list of “Key Benefits & Features,” and, whenever possible, real customer feedback under the heading “Hear It From a User/Caregiver.”
Price: $30.27
This Bardia Foley catheter is made of silicone-coated latex. It’s a two-way catheter with two channels. One channel drains urine, while the other channel fills the retention balloon to hold the catheter in place. This catheter comes in one size: 16 Fr.
Key Benefits & Features
Designed for extended care use
Sterile
Straight tip
Packaged in a peel pouch for easy access
Secured with a 30 cc balloon
Pros
Caregivers tell us this catheter fits well and is easy to use.
Users say this catheter is comfortable and non-irritating.
Cons
This catheter is only available in one size: 16 Fr.
Hear It From a User: “These are comfortable and just what I need for personal reasons. They work out greatly for nighttime because I don't have to get up to use the toilet. Thank you for selling them.” - Aiden A.
Price: $19.99 - $51.91
This Coloplast Conveen self-sealing male external catheter features an anti-kink bulb to prevent urine backflow and a push ring that securely attaches to a drainage bag. It’s made of PSX silicone and has a diameter of 25 mm.
Key Benefits & Features
This catheter has a transparent design for easy monitoring of the skin.
The catheter stays in place with an integrated skin-friendly adhesive.
The catheter’s packaging Includes a pull tab for easy application
Pros
This catheter is latex-free, so it's safe for those with allergies and skin sensitivity.
The male incontinence sheath prevents the catheter from popping off, reducing the risk of leakage.
The “smart pack” packaging is discreet. Slide the catheter into your pocket and use it at your convenience.
Cons
This catheter is designed specifically for the male anatomy.
Some users report that the plastic sheath is flimsy and doesn’t hold up well.
Some users say the catheter tends to slip out. Selecting the right size can help prevent this problem.
Hear It From a Caregiver: “These [catheters] were really easy to put on my husband. They did not leak or roll up on him, [and] they stayed securely in place.” - Monica T.
Price: $7.17 - $46.08
This Bard male external catheter is made of 100% silicone and is self-adhering. The unique design provides a more secure placement than non-silicone sheaths, reducing the risk of leaks and other common problems. This catheter lets the skin breathe and doesn’t retain urine odor. It’s discreet, comfortable, and easy to clean.
Key Benefits & Features
The adhesive is integrated into the silicone sheath, providing a secure, comfortable fit for the wearer.
The silicone design is allergen-free, so it’s safe for people with skin sensitivities.
This catheter stays in place better than non-silicone catheters.
Pros
This catheter is comfortable, discreet, and doesn’t collect odors.
The external catheter can be used with a tube and collection bag.
A great option for people who are bedbound, immobile, or unable to use the toilet alone.
Cons
This catheter is designed specifically for the male anatomy.
Only two sizes are available: 29 mm and 32 mm.
Some users report that the adhesive isn’t sticky and wears off quickly.
Hear It From a Caregiver: “This product has allowed both my husband and I to sleep all night without having to help him get to the restroom.” - Lori M.
Price: $11.90 - $147.86
This McKesson male intermittent catheter is a good option if you’re relatively mobile and
self-catheterize. It has polished eyes to minimize urethral trauma and reduce bacteria exposure. The catheter features a flexible funnel end with a ridge design that’s easy to grip and handle. It doesn’t contain rubber latex or plastics like BPA, so it’s safe for those with allergies and skin sensitivity.
Key Benefits & Features
Each catheter is individually packaged for single, sterile use.
Each catheter has a color-coded funnel and packaging for easy identification of French size.
The staggered eyes encourage maximum urine flow, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Pros
This catheter is made of clear, polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
The straight design makes this catheter a good option for men with chronic bladder problems.
Does not contain DEHP, DINP, BPA, or natural rubber latex.
This catheter comes in several sizes: 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 Fr.
Cons
Designed specifically for the male anatomy.
Unsuitable for women.
This catheter only has a straight tip, so it isn’t right for everyone.
Hear It From a Caregiver: “[These are] perfect. [My husband] uses them to prevent waking up in the middle of the night to urinate.” - Lisa B.
Price: $8.50 - $171.29
This latex-free female catheter is six inches long and made of uncoated PVC plastic. It has polished eyelets and a straight tip, allowing for hassle-free insertion and removal.
Key Benefits & Features
Sterile
Straight tip
Disposable
Packaged with dual openings for easy access
Pros
Each catheter is disposable, so you don’t have to worry about infection.
The smooth, polished eyelets make inserting the catheter comfortable and pain-free.
This catheter is latex-free so it’s safe for women with allergies and sensitive skin
Cons
This catheter is designed specifically for the female anatomy.
This catheter only comes in two sizes: 12 and 14 Fr.
This catheter has a straight tip, so it isn’t right for everyone.
Hear It From a User: “Good quality, easy shopping and delivery with speed. Packaged nicely, very sterile. So happy I found these catheters and this company.” - Nancy
Price: $1.95 - $69.05
The SpeediCath has a unisex design, suitable for men and women alike. It’s pre-lubricated and packaged for immediate use. Each SpeediCath is made of polyurethane and free of potentially harmful chemicals like DEHP.
Key Benefits & Features
14 inches long
Pre-lubricated, so there’s no soaking or pre-preparation required
Sterile
Each catheter is packaged individually with a pull ring, making opening and applying the catheter easy.
Pros
The unisex design is suitable for men and women.
The hydrophilic coating makes inserting the catheter comfortable and friction-free.
Two sizes are available: 14 and 16 Fr.
Cons
Each Coloplast SpeediCath is 14 inches, so it won’t work if you need a longer catheter.
Price: $5.45 - $150.00
This StatLock catheter stabilization device secures a catheter’s drainage tube to the body, ensuring patient comfort and reducing the risk of leakage. It can be used with silicone Foley catheters 8 to 26 Fr.
The stabilization device has a tricot anchor pad and a patented swivel retainer for enhanced patient comfort and convenience. The anchor is lightweight and portable and features a foam anchor that’s easy on the skin.
Key Benefits & Features
The StatLock stabilization device fits most adults.
The device can be used with silicone Foley catheters 8 to 26 Fr.
The device keeps the catheter close to the wearer’s body, allowing them to move comfortably.
Pros
Easy to use and reduces the risk of leaks.
Caregivers report that the device is easy to apply and remove.
Users report this device prevents the catheter from moving reducing skin and urethral irritation.
Cons
Some caregivers report that the adhesive wears down quickly. You may need a backup adhesive to hold the catheter drainage tube in place.
Some users report that the anchor is low quality, so you may need another product to help secure the catheter’s drainage tube to the body.
Hear It From a Caregiver: “Great product for Foley stabilization! The product is easily attached and the catheter is securely in place. Removal is easy, and any residual adhesive easily comes off with rubbing alcohol.” - Donna C.
Get Fast, Free Shipping & 30% Off with Autoship
The cost of catheters can quickly add up. Especially if you use them regularly. To help save you, all orders $49+ receive free shipping.
We also encourage you to sign up for our Autoship program. New Autoship enrollees receive 30% off their first order and an additional 5% off future orders of qualifying products. Several products featured in this guide, including the McKesson Male Intermittent Catheters, qualify for the extra 5% off.
Catheter Questions? Our Care Team can help!
It’s normal to have questions about catheters if you’ve never used one before. Our friendly Care Team is available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, and speaks English and Spanish. We can make catheter recommendations, answer your questions, and help you find other incontinence products to meet your or your loved one’s needs. Call (800) 696-2273 or email support@carewell.com.
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Read More >Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.