Closed system catheters are pre-lubricated and contained in a clear plastic pouch to ensure sterility. There is a “protective tip” that is placed into the urethral opening prior to gently inserting the catheter into the urethra. The protective tip is a few millimeters long and helps the catheter bypass the urethral opening where the highest concentration of bacteria may reside. Closed system catheters are discreet as they have an attached collection bag. The collection bag is marked to assist in the measurement of output.

Condom catheters are for male use only and fit over the penis. These catheters are self-adherent with an adhesive that is integrated into the sheath or are secured by an adhesive applied to the penis prior to application. A strap is applied over the penis and sheath after the catheter is applied. These catheters include a drainage bag for disposal.

A coude catheter is a specialized type of urinary catheter with a curved tip that is used to navigate around obstructions or strictures in the urinary tract. It is typically made of flexible material like silicone or latex. The curved tip of this catheter allows for easier passage through the urethra and helps to bypass any blockages or narrow areas. Coude catheters are commonly used when a regular straight catheter cannot be inserted due to anatomical abnormalities or urethral strictures. The insertion procedure is similar to that of a standard catheter, but the curved tip assists in navigating the catheter through the obstruction, allowing urine to drain from the bladder. It is important to note that the use of a coude catheter should be performed by a healthcare professional with expertise in catheterization to minimize discomfort and potential complications.

A Foley catheter consists of a flexible tube with an inflatable balloon at one end and a drainage bag at the other. The catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra, typically by a healthcare professional, and the balloon is inflated to hold it in place. This allows urine to flow from the bladder through the catheter and into a drainage bag. Foley catheters are used when a person is unable to urinate on their own due to various medical conditions or after certain surgical procedures. They are designed to provide a temporary solution for urinary drainage and are commonly used in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care settings.

These catheters are coated with a hydrophilic polymer. When saline is introduced, this coating allows the catheter to glide through the urethra easily. Hydrophilic catheters may cause less friction and may make insertion more comfortable. These catheters are either pre-lubricated with sterile saline or require the user to burst a saline-filled packet to wet the catheter. Be sure that all of the saline is released from the packet and soak the catheter for 30 seconds before insertion into the urethra.

These catheters are straight tubes of flexible plastic or rubber (be sure to tell your physician if you have a latex allergy). One end has a rounded tip to drain the urine from the bladder, and the other end often has a funnel attached to it. These catheters require lubrication. An insertion kit may be purchased that includes cleansing towelettes or swabs, a drape, gloves, lubricant and a plastic bag for disposal.