Friday, January 16, 2015

What are Intermittent Catheters?



Unlike other catheters, intermittent catheterization is used for short-term management of various conditions. Unlike permanent catheterization, there is significantly less risk of urinary tract infections, urethral strictures, or complications that can lead to infertility.

They are considered the best option for patients who are able to catheterize themselves are home or whom have caregivers that can aid them in doing so.

There are several conditioners with intermittent catheterization may be used. Issues that are considered neurogenic, such as issues that stem from injury to the spinal cord or multiple sclerosis. They may also be used when there are non-neurogenic issues such as an enlarged prostate or urethral strictures that may prevent the urinary tract from completely evacuating any stored urine.

Understanding what type of catheter to use for intermittent catheterization can dramatically improve a patient's experience with them by reducing the amount of discomfort a patient feels during the catheterization process. This is why it's important to understand that there are several types of specialized catheters available to make intermittent catheterization significantly easier.

With regards to the different types of intermittent catheters available, there are primarily three different types: straight-tipped catheters, hydrophilic catheters and coude-tip catheters. The latter two have specific situations where patients that require catheterization may find them more useful.

Hydrophilic catheters have lubricant applied to them already when they are packaged. The lubricant stays inactive until water is applied to the catheter tip, which in turn activates it and makes it easier for patients to use at home.

Coude-tip catheters, which derive their name from the French word for “curved”, have a curved tip that allows them to be easier for most men to insert on their own. It is considered easier to use because the curved tip overcomes the problem where most men are unable to push straight-tipped catheters through the prostate to completely evacuate the bladder.

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