Catheters For Men – Contact Your Health Care Provider For Dollar Saving Plans

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.

There are three main urinary catheter types – indwelling, condom, and intermittent. It’s important that you learn more about the different types of catheters to reduce many of the short-term problems that you may be faced with.

Intermittent catheters are generally used for short term use. They are removed after the flow of urine stops. Indwelling catheters are for long term placement; it is placed into the bladder and left there. The procedure of inserting this can be very uncomfortable since it goes through the urethra to reach the bladder. It is far more painful for men than women. One of the downsides to this is that there is a high risk of getting a urinary tract infection.

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.

You’ll need to properly care for the drainage bag as well. Most bags will need to be emptied every 8 hours or sooner if it’s full. Soaking the bag and catheter in one part vinegar and three parts water will help to disinfect them. There are other methods of cleaning as well. By talking to a medical professional you will learn these various methods plus more about the proper way to clean and maintain your catheter and the drainage bag. Your nurse will be more than happy to tell you the correct way to help you reduce any infection. Asking questions will help you to learn more.

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 Equipment. 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.

Filed under: Bioethics Healthcare

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