Intermittent, hydrophilic and closed system catheters
About Female Catheters
A female catheter is a small tube that is inserted into the urethral meatus, the external opening to the urethra, in order to drain urine for collection. When possible, a thin catheter should be used to reduce the risk of harming the patient during insertion.
Catheters come in many sizes, materials (latex, plastic, Teflon), and types (Foley, straight, coude tip).
Intermittent catheters – Intermittent catheters (IC) are used in persons with spinal cord injuries (quadriplegics & paraplegics) and for those persons with urinary retention (incomplete bladder emptying). During urination, the bladder contracts, and the pelvic floor muscles relax to allow urine to pass through the urethra.
Intermittent Hydrophilic catheters – Intermittent catheters are also available with a hydrophilic coating. This coating is a layer of polymer which is bound to the surface of the catheter. The polymer absorbs and binds water to the catheter, producing a thick, smooth and slippery surface that remains intact upon introduction into the man’s urethra and lubricates the urethra in its entire length.
Closed System catheters – Closed System Catheters are catheters that typically come pre-attached to the drainage bag. Kits come with the catheter separate from the bag. Southlake Medical offers both. Closed System Catheters provides you trouble-free disposal and minimal infectivity.
What is a female catheter?
A female catheter is a small tube that is inserted into the urethral meatus, the external opening to the urethra, in order to drain urine for collection. When possible, a thin catheter should be used to reduce the risk of harming the patient during insertion.
Urinary catheters are used to drain the bladder. Your health care provider may recommend a catheter for short-term or long-term use because you have or had:
Urinary incontinence (leakage of urine or the inability to control when you urinate)
Urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder when needed)
Surgery that made a catheter necessary, such as gynecological surgery
Other medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or dementia
Southlake Medical is a company that can help every customer choose the right catheter for his or her very individual needs and lifestyle. We are here to help guide you to find the best option for your catheter needs.
