What type of catheter should I get?
What are some of the features that catheters come with?
What size catheter should I get?
Which drainage or leg bag should I choose?
What is the Medicare/Medicaid/insurance reimbursement rate?

Product Comparison And Sizing Guide

What type of catheter should I get?

You should always consult with your physician before using a catheter. Catheters can generally be divided into two different categories: long-term and short-term. Your physician will know what type of catheter will best suit you.
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What are some of the features that catheters come with?

Besides type, there are a few features that distinguish catheters. These include:

• Silicone coating: The silicone coating makes the catheter more secure and causes less allergies in the patient. The downside to silicone coating is that it makes the catheter less stretchable.
• Catheter eyes: Catheter eyes are the holes in which the urine drains through. The most commmon reason for a catheter to be replaced is the blockage of these holes. Some catheters have eyes on two different sides of the catheter(opposing eyes), while others have two holes on the same side (staggered eyes). Staggered eye catheters allow for higher drainage, you should consider them if you have high urine flow.
• Coude tip: These catheters have a rounded tip that helps it move through the urethra better.
• Latex-free: An absolute necessity for those with latex allegeries.
• Touchless: These catheters come pre-lubricated with a protective sheath that allow for a more sanitary insertion process.

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What size catheter should I get?

A sizing guide from Hollister is available. Print the sizing guide(preferably on sturdy paper) and measure your penis until you find the appropriate hole. Or, use a tape measure to measure the circumference of the penis. When using a tape measure, be sure not to wrap it tightly around the penis. Once you have the circumference in millimeters, use the conversion calculator below to find out the FR measurement.

Millimeter measurement

FR Size

Note:The sizing guides provided are not definitive and are only meant to give rough estimates. If you are unsure about the appropriate catheter size, consult a physician. Do not try to take the largest catheter possible; it is more important that the catheter fits comfortably.
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Which drainage or leg bag should I choose?

Make sure the bag is just the right size for your needs and that it works with your catheter. Besides that, anti-reflux models are helpful because the valve prevents urine for going backwards in the tube.
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What is the Medicare/Medicaid/insurance reimbursement rate?

The reimbursement rate vary by plan. Talk with your representative to find out the reimbursement rates for your plan.
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Sources

Conversion Factors - FR to MM
Catheters For Urinary Incontinence For Men
Catheter Care - Trouble Shooting

Helpful articles

The Urology Channel
Urology Articles - eMedicine
Foley Catheter
Methods for Removing a Nondeflating Foley Catheter
American Urological Association

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