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A quick guide to different types of catheters

Unless you need to start using a catheter, it is unlikely that you would know much about it. And we know that at first it seems scary, difficult and intimidating, but as soon as you learn the technique, it will become a habit like any other daily routine. 

What is a catheter?

A catheter is a thin tube often made of soft plastic material that can be inserted into the body. Catheters are referred to as medical device, and are prescribed by doctors.

Why is it needed?

A urinary catheter is used to drain the urinary bladder when it cannot be emptied normally. This process is called catheterization and can be necessary after a surgery or during hospitalization.

It is also used as a daily habit for many people with a dysfunctional bladder caused by another diagnosis, like a spinal cord injury, spina bifida, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, diabetes, stroke or incontinence.

The different types of urinary catheters

There are a few different types of urinary catheters.

Indwelling catheter

An indwelling catheter is a catheter that stays inside the body for a longer period, and there are two types. A urethral indwelling catheter is a catheter inserted through the urethra into the bladder, while a suprapubic indwelling catheter is inserted through the stomach directly into the bladder. Indwelling catheters are inserted by healthcare professionals and left inside the body for as long as they are needed. For long-term use they are often changed every or every second month.

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Intermittent catheters



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Non-hydrophilic catheters vs hydrophilic catheters

There are two major types of intermittent urinary catheters: Non-hydrophilic catheters, which are uncoated catheters, and hydrophilic intermittent catheters which are coated with a slippery surface to make insertion and withdrawal easy.

LoFric Sense Product

Which catheter to use?

Intermittent catheterization (IC) is the preferable method to empty the bladder when you can’t urinate naturally. It is safe in the short-, mid- and long-term, minimizing common risks such as urinary tract infections (UTI's), strictures, bladder stone complications and upper urinary tract deterioration.

