Catheters

A urinary catheter is a thin flexible tube that is inserted into the bladder, through the urethra, to drain the bladder.  They may be used to treat urinary incontinence, urinary retention or overactive bladder. 

Types of Urinary Catheters

Indwelling Urinary Catheter

• Also known as a Foley catheter, this type of catheter remains in the bladder and connects to a drainage bag.  This type of catheter must be changed at regular intervals by a medical professional. 

Suprapubic Catheter

• Is a catheter that is initially inserted surgically into the bladder through a small incision in the lower abdomen.  It functions the same as an indwelling urinary catheter.  This type of catheter must be changed at regular intervals by a medical professional. 

Intermittent Catheter

• Is a catheter that is inserted several times a day, for just long enough to drain your bladder, and then removed. 

External Catheter

• There are various devices that may be used externally to assist with urinary incontinence.