Find out more about the pros and cons of using catheters as well as some of the advantages of intermittent catheterization.
What is intermittent catheterization?
It’s the use of a single-use catheter to drain your bladder on a regular or semi-regular basis. This may be a bladder-healthy alternative to indwelling Foley catheters, which stay inside the body for long periods of time to drain urine into a collection bag.
Who needs to use catheters?
You might be surprised to find out that people of all ages and journeys of life may sometimes need to start intermittent cathing.
This can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, some people begin to experience urinary bladder retention in their senior years or after surgery. Others may have urinary incontinence resulting from incomplete bladder emptying. Some people who use catheters have conditions like spina bifida, spinal cord injury, or another medical condition that affects the bladder or the nerves surrounding it.
In addition, some people may use catheters only temporarily. For instance, some women may use catheters after childbirth temporarily. Some people also may be directed by their doctor to start intermittent cathing after a surgery such as prostate surgery or abdominal hysterectomy.
How do I know if I need to use catheters?
If you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms, be sure to see your doctor. Because catheters are prescription-only devices, you must see a prescribing healthcare practitioner before purchasing or ordering from a trustworthy catheter supply company.
Your doctor will diagnose your condition and any needs. Additionally, they will determine what French size and type may be best for your anatomy and needs. They can also instruct you on how to properly use an intermittent catheter, including how often you need to drain your bladder.
The Advantages of Intermittent Catheterization
- It’s Fairly Simple: While it may seem a little intimidating at first, self-cathing can become a relatively quick and simple procedure after a little bit of practice. Many people are able to self-catheterize themselves. Others may be able to use intermittent catheters with the help of a trusted family member or caregiver.
- It’s an Effective Solution: Neglecting to empty your bladder regularly can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs) or even bladder infections. Intermittent catheterization is an effective solution to helping those who have difficulty emptying their bladders and helping prevent such health problems if done correctly.
- It’s Safe to Use: Compared to indwelling Foley catheters, intermittent catheters have been found to cause fewer infections. Since Foley catheters stay in the body for longer periods of time, urinary tract infections can become a constant problem for some. By using an intermittent catheter, the chance of experiencing these side effects is greatly reduced.
- Inexpensive: Some healthcare and medical products can be relatively expensive out of pocket. Depending on your insurance provider, they may or may not cover certain items. Intermittent straight catheters are often the best option for those who are uninsured or underinsured because they are rather inexpensive.
- Promotes Independence: Because intermittent catheters allow you to gain control of your bladder and care for yourself, they help promote independence and, more importantly, allow you a better quality of life.
Where to Buy Intermittent Self Catheters Online
180 Medical is a leading provider of insurance-covered intermittent urinary catheters, incontinence supplies, and ostomy products. We help make shopping for catheters fast and easy. We can offer you high-quality catheter products from all the leading manufacturers and brands available today along with personal, friendly service that keeps our customers coming back.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how we can offer you quality catheters along with top-notch service, please contact us!
