Most people do not want to think about the prospect of needing urinary catheterization. It is enough to make many otherwise brave and strong individuals cringe. However, people have needs for these devices all of the time, whether it is because of surgery, a traumatic injury, or an illness.  Those who are incontinent and have trouble controlling their bladder, and those who have other bladder problems may find catheters necessary. Even though you may never want to have one yourself, it’s a good idea to know a bit about the different types available so you know what you can expect.

They are made from a variety of materials. If you are getting a catheter, you will want to let the healthcare professionals know if you have any allergies to latex. Many of them are made from this material, but they also have silicone catheters that you can use. If you have an allergy to latex, it is very important to let the doctor know. Inserting the device into someone who has latex allergies can cause complications and possibly urinary tract infections.

The devices come in different sizes as well. In most cases, the people who are putting the device in will want to make sure that they choose the smallest possible size that will still work for the patient. It can’t be too small, or else it won’t work. However, the smaller sizes are better when it comes to comfort.

Indwelling devices such as the Foley stay inside the bladder. They will drain urine from the bladder to a tube that travels through the urethra and into a collection bag. The bag might be placed on the side of your bed or even on your leg if you are mobile. The indwelling devices can be used for short-term or long-term needs.

An intermittent device is used for the short-term only. When the urine is drained, it can be removed. This is useful for many reasons, including emptying the bladder before surgery.

A catheter that is common with those who suffer from incontinence is the condom catheter. The device is a sheath that fits over the penis. The tube runs to a drainage bag. While they are only for men, they are far more comfortable than the other types mentioned.

If you are ever in need of one of these devices, you should speak with your doctor so you know what type of urinary catheter you will need and what you can expect.