Intermittent vs. Foley Catheters: Which One Is Best for Your Needs?

Two commonly used types of urinary catheters are intermittent and Foley. Foley catheters are indwelling and for long-term use. Intermittent catheters are inserted as needed and are for short-term use. This blog explores their similarities and differences to help you choose the best catheter for your needs.

Understanding catheter types and uses is the first step to effective catheterization. Choosing the right urinary catheter is essential to your health. Key factors to consider include your lifestyle, convenience, duration of use, and medical necessity. This blog will compare intermittent and Foley catheters.<.p>

Intermittent Catheters are single-use for short-term bladder management. Individuals self-catheterize by inserting the catheter, draining their bladder, and afterward removing the catheter each time they go to the bathroom. People typically use them if they are experiencing urinary retention, have a neurogenic bladder, or are recovering from surgery.

There are several benefits to using intermittent catheters. They give people with active lifestyles more autonomy for bladder drainage on the go. Their single-use nature helps prevent infections. Many options are hydrophilic, pre-lubricated, and not made of natural rubber latex to optimize comfort and reduce irritation.

Foley Catheters are for long-term urinary catheterization and stay in the bladder via an inflatable balloon. They continuously drain urine from the bladder into a bag, which is typically secured to the patient’s leg or bedside. They are useful for people unable to self-catheterize and are recovering from surgery or experiencing chronic urinary retention.

These catheters are perfect for patients with limited mobility. They don’t need to be changed as often as intermittent catheters and typically stay in place for several days. (We highly recommend asking your doctor how often to replace your catheter to prevent infections.)

Intermittent catheters are single-use, freeing people to go about their busy day without worrying about a drainage bag. Simply insert the catheter, drain the bladder, and then remove the catheter for proper disposal. Multiple uses throughout the day, each with a new catheter, reduce the risk of infection. Since these catheters are for short-term use and not indwelling, they avoid long-term discomfort commonly associated with foley catheters.

Indwelling catheters are used for long-term catheterization. This means longer intervals between changes. Instead of insertion for each use, these catheters direct urine into a bedside or leg bag until it can be drained. Unfortunately, since they remain longer in the bladder, these catheters pose a greater risk of infection and may cause irritation and discomfort.

Consult your doctor about catheter selection. They will make recommendations based on several factors such as your mobility concerns, whether you can self-catheterize or need a caregiver’s assistance, and how long you will need catheterization. They will also give you advice about personal hygiene and infection prevention.

There are several accessories designed to improve catheter comfort and convenience.

Lubricant reduces friction and improves comfort during catheter insertion. Some catheters have a hydrophilic coating that activates before you even open the packaging. All you have to do is break the water capsule. The water covers the catheter and activates the coating as you pull it out of the wrapper.

Non-hydrophilic catheters call for water-based lubricant, which is easy to clean up and works just as well.

Securement Devices , such as leg straps and stabilizers, hold Foley catheter tubing to the user’s leg. This gives caregivers peace of mind knowing the catheter will stay in place until they drain the bag.

Drainage Bags attach to the end of Foley catheters and catch the urine as it flows through the tubing throughout the day. These bags are typically strapped to the user’s leg when they are moving or near their bedside while they rest.

Cleansers are crucial for sanitation during the catheterization process. Regardless of catheter type, keeping the area around the catheter clean and practicing good hygiene reduces the risk of infection.

Modern medical technology allows people to manage their urinary health more easily with proper catheter use. Comparing catheter solutions is the first step in choosing the right catheter for your comfort, convenience, and personal needs.

Your doctor will recommend which type of catheter is best for you and what accessories could be useful.

Intermittent catheters are for single use and are inserted and removed several times throughout the day. This reduces the risk of infection and is suitable for those with active lifestyles who can self-catheterize.

Foley or indwelling catheters stay in the bladder longer. They drain urine from the bladder directly into a bag secured to the user’s leg or near their bed. These catheters are typically for patients with limited mobility who cannot self-catheterize.

Cleaning supplies, lubricants, securement devices, and drainage bags are important for successful catheterization. They help users stay comfortable and healthy and keep their catheter secure.

Explore our high-quality Catheter options today!