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What is a Leg Bag Catheter

If you find yourself in need of a urinary catheter, but are physically active or want to be able to go about your day without anyone finding out, you may be the perfect candidate for a leg bag. A leg bag catheter is a narrow and hollow tube that is made of rubber that is used to drain urine from the bladder. The reason you would choose this type of catheter is because it is very discreet and can be worn underneath clothing without being easily detected. There are many reasons why this may be the right choice for someone who needs to wear a catheter.

 

The first reason is that some people may be the victim of steady leakage of urine or unable to control their urination. A leg bag catheter can benefit these types of people. Other people may need this type of catheter in order to keep their bladder drained at all times. This is especially the case in instances where an individual has had various types of surgery, such as prostate or gynecological surgery. These types of surgery can make a leg bag catheter a good choice for a short time period after the surgery is done.

 

These types of catheters come in different sizes, with the smallest one the most used to prevent stretching of the urethra. A larger leg bag catheter may be used if the urine has blood in it, or if it is filled with sediment. The reason is because it will need to be drained more often to keep from getting clogged or blocked.

 

Usually, a leg bag will only be worn during daylight hours, as a larger bag is connected at night due to the possibility of more drainage.

 

If you must wear a leg bag catheter, it is extremely important that it stay below the bladder level to keep urine from going back up into your urethra, which can cause a painful infection. It also needs to be emptied every eight hours or sooner to keep it from being too full. To do so, simply sit on the toilet and empty the drainage port on the bottom of the bag.

 

If you or someone you love needs to wear a leg bag catheter, you may be concerned, but there is really no reason to be. Your doctor will gladly answer any questions you may have, making the process painless and easy.