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Catheter Supplies

Choosing the right urinary catheter can be a challenge. Therefore, Vitality Medical aims to make this process more straightforward. Click on any of the links below for detailed information and explanatory infographics about catheter types and sizes to choose the best option based on your condition, output and doctor’s recommendation.

Consider the following when selecting a urinary catheter: catheter type, catheter size, catheter tips and the risk of urinary tract infections (UTI). Most urinary catheters are constructed of thin plastic, vinyl, silicone or rubber and help remove fluids from the bladder or assist with managing incontinence.

Urinary catheters are manufactured in widths based on French sizes and lengths, usually in inches or centimeters. Be sure to select the appropriate size, length and insertion method for safe and sterile catheterization.

This online catheter store has a wide selection of the most commonly used urinary catheter types, including external catheters, intermittent catheters and foley catheters.

What are Urinary Catheters?

On a broad level, urinary catheters are designed to be inserted into your bladder to drain accumulated fluid. In select cases, the catheter may be placed outside the body to collect fluid — for example, with a condom catheter to manage incontinence. Once properly inserted, the catheter attaches to a drainage bag to collect urine for disposal.

Individuals may be directed to a urinary catheter if they have difficulty removing waste from their body or experience voiding or leaks throughout the day. Without this assistance, urine accumulates in the kidneys, potentially leading to damage or failure. Usage may be temporary — for example, following surgery — or long-term.

Common scenarios include:

  • Recovering from surgery
  • An injury that affects how you empty your bladder
  • Blocked urine flow due to kidney stones, a prostate issue or blood clots in the urine
  • Nerve damage to the bladder or kidney area
  • Living with dementia
  • Medication side effects
  • Spina bifida

Types of Catheter Products and Supplies


External Catheters are male catheters that enclose the penis to contain escaping urine. External Catheters are usually made of latex or silicone and are sometimes referred to as Condom Catheters, because of the way they wrap around the penis instead of entering the urethra.

Intermittent Catheters are inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine. They are usually removed when draining is completed. Patients insert this catheter type multiple times per day to drain their bladder. Make sure a medical professional instructs you on the insertion technique before attempting to use this solution at home.

Foley Catheters are similar to intermittent catheters but have the added feature of a balloon device on the internal end to hold the catheter in place. Foley catheters usually drain into a urinary leg bag or bedside drainage bag. Intermittent and Foley catheters are available with several different catheter tips, including Coude, Straight, Olive and the new Introducer tips. Patients leave the catheter in for months and drain their bag as needed.

Touchless Catheters are intermittent catheters used as part of a closed system for sterility. Inserting catheters is made easier with sterile catheter lubricants.

Suprapubic catheters are inserted by your doctor into your abdominal region and are a permanent solution to divert urine.

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