Intermittent, hydrophilic and closed system catheters
About Male Catheters
A catheter is a thin, flexible, soft tube which is inserted through the urethra to drain the urine from the bladder. It may stay in place for a short or long time depending on the type and reason for its use.
Intermittent catheterization may be necessary for anyone who is unable to properly empty the bladder or people with nervous system (neurological) disorders. The goal of intermittent catheterization is to completely empty the bladder.
A catheter is a thin, flexible, soft tube which is inserted through the urethra to drain the urine from the bladder. It may stay in place for a short or long time depending on the type and reason for its use.
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
Three main types of male catheters:
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.
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.
