There are three common types of intermittent catheters:
- Straight or coudé intermittent catheters
- Hydrophilic catheters have pre-lubricated layer of coating, bound to the surface of the tube itself, which binds with water.
- Closed system catheters are pre-lubricated intermittent catheter, contained inside of a collection bag.
Your healthcare provider will help you select the intermittent catheter the best fits you or your child's needs. Determining what type of intermittent catheter is best, will depend on several factors such as gender, age, weight or size, anatomy (urethra vs. catheterizable stoma), dexterity and limitations, wheelchair use, and latex allergies.
The selection criteria will also takes into consideration the required catheter length, French size or diameter, type of tip (straight or coudé/Tiemann), composition (PVC, versus latex), and lubrication properties (gel versus hydrophilic).
Learn more about what is the right size catheter for you.
