If you suffer from any kind of urinary incontinence, you may find that it is necessary to use a catheter. They come in many different types. Foley catheters are available, as well as non-Foley catheters. Foley catheters are for long-term use, and need to be changed out at least once a month. Non-Foley catheters are intermittent catheters and are designed to be used only when the bladder needs to be emptied.

All catheters are available in various types and sizes. Some have straight tips and others have curved tips. Using the correct size is essential, and the largest diameter possible should be used. Larger catheters are much easier to insert because they are stiffer. If the catheter is too small, it may cause problems such as folding itself up inside of the urethra.

Whichever type of catheter you choose to purchase, be sure to thoroughly follow your doctor’s instructions; this is not something that you want to do incorrectly, as all sorts of problems can quickly develop. All catheters need to be properly cared for. They should be thoroughly cleaned. A baby wipe or an antibacterial wipe can be used for this purpose to be sure to kill all the germs. You should also be sure to clean the urinary area to prevent various infections and rashes. Wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap before and after insertion of the catheter. Be sure to flush the inside with hot running water, as well as cleaning the outside. This will prevent germs and infection that can come with reuse. After washing the catheter, you can store it in a clean plastic bag.

These precautions are more essential when using an intermittent catheter, as you will be removing and inserting the catheters into your bladder several times a day. In order to promote comfort, you may want to use a lubricant like KY jelly, though some prefer to use a more sterile antibacterial ointment for this purpose. This will kill any germs that are lurking around on the catheter.

It is possible to reuse intermittent catheters if your doctor allows it. Some doctors will allow you to reuse it for one week. After this, it will need to be thrown out, even if it looks as though it can be used again. Reusing catheters past the allotted time can result in a serious bladder infection.