Catheters can be used in a variety of situations such as short term use after major surgery, a method of monitoring urine for hospitalized patients after a major surgery, or for outpatients getting special care. It’s important that you understand each of the types of Catheter Equipment before your hospital visit or buying any supplies.

Let’s take a look at some of the urinary catheter types. The indwelling is a long term catheter that is inserted into the bladder. The intermittent catheter is a short term catheter that is taken out once the bladder is emptied. And the condom catheter is less intrusive and can be used for both long term and short term. You can learn more about the benefits and disadvantages of these by doing some research online or talking with your nurse or doctor.

Intermittent catheters are generally used for short term use and are removed after the flow of urine stops while indwelling catheters are placed into the bladder and left there. Some of the procedures of inserting them into the bladder through the urethra can be very uncomfortable. There is also an increased risk of urinary tract infections associated with different types of urinary catheter types, such as with the indwelling.

An alternative urinary catheter type for men is the condom catheter. It will eliminate the pain that is associated with an indwelling catheter. It will also dramatically reduce the risk of urinary tract infection. The fact is that 80% of men contract a UTI from the indwelling type.

Every catheter requires additional Catheter Equipment such as a drainage bag. A drainage bag is the where the urine will be stored. There are two main types of these bags. A leg bag is worn around the leg. It goes unnoticed under your pants. A down drain is a larger bag that is generally used during the night time since it will hold more. This is often placed on the floor or you can hang it from your bed.

The drainage bag also needs to be cleaned properly. You can clean it by soaking it in vinegar that is diluted in water for 20 minutes. Talk to a medical professional to ensure you are properly cleaning the drainage bag as well as the catheter. It will need to be removed from the catheter and emptied when it is full; often this is every 8 hours to prevent it from going back into the bladder.

Learning more about the different urinary catheter types will allow you to find the best one to suit your needs. You want Home Medical Equipment that will offer you comfort as well as convenience. Once you find the right brand and type it’s important that you learn how to properly care for and clean the Catheter Medical supply. Improper care will definitely lead to problems that could have been avoided. You should talk with your nurse and learn more about proper care by reading online.