Urinary catheters are medical devices that are used to drain the bladder. There are several reasons your doctor may prescribe the usage. Reasons include urinary incontinence which is either leaking urine or the inability to control when you urinate. Urinary retention is exactly the opposite. This means you aren’t able to urinate when you need to. Surgery on the prostate may mean that you need a urinary catheter. There are also a variety of other medical conditions, such as dementia or multiple sclerosis, that might require a urinary catheter in the later stages.
What Are the Different Types of Urinary Catheters?
There are different types of urinary catheters in Ann Arbor, MI. The type of catheter needed depends on your doctor’s recommendations, the medical condition causing you to need a catheter, and personal preferences. The first type of urinary catheter is a condom catheter, which is worn by males on the end of the penis, like a condom, with a tube attached that drains into a bag. This type of catheter must be changed daily.
The second type is an indwelling catheter that stays in the bladder either for long periods of time or short periods of time and drains into a bag. The catheter is held in place by a balloon which is inflated while in place and deflated when removed. Intermittent self-catheters mean the catheter is inserted when the bladder needs to be emptied and then immediately removed.
Caring for Your Catheter
Hygiene is important when it comes to caring for your catheter. Be sure to clean the area where the catheter exits your body with soap and water daily. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent infection. Wash your hands before and after anything about removing and inserting a catheter. Visit website.com for more information about all of our services and products.
