Male catheters are essential to emptying your bladder by yourself to prevent urinary tract infections and kidney problems resulting from blocked urine. Here is a quick guide on three types of male catheters and their uses.
What Are Male Catheters?
Male intermittent catheters are thin tubes useful for inserting through the urethra or stoma for emptying the bladder. When you drain the urine through an intermittent catheter, the tube won’t have to stay in your bladder. It’s a single-use medical product that you should discard after use.
Male Catheter Lengths
The male urethra is comparatively more prolonged than those of females. Hence, male catheters are typically 16 inches long. However, men can find more compact catheters, including pro-pocket catheters approximately 13 inches long.
The shorter lengths allow more discreetness when carrying the catheter in public areas while being highly hygienic and easily insertable with flexible tips.
Male Catheter French Sizes
French measurements refer to the diameter sizing for catheter tubes. You will find a range of French sizes for different anatomies. Except for the red rubber catheters, the others follow a universal color coding system for quickly identifying French sizes.
You can consult a medical professional or urologist to determine the correct French size of the catheter for your anatomy.
Male Catheter Insertion Tips: Straight And Coudé Tips
Most people generally refer to the catheter with the straight tip, perhaps because of an easier insertion from its slight tapering. However, these catheters have bends or curves in the tips while coudé tips do.
Coudé tips are catheters with curved tips featuring a bend or elbow curve. These are suitable for men who find straight catheters challenging to insert.
The Three Main Types Of Male Catheters
- Benefits of Hydrophilic Catheters
- Easy to travel with and carry
- Controls risks of infection through touchless catheterization
- Easy to use
- Less messy
- Some of the benefits include:
- Pre-Lubricated and Hydrophilic Male Catheters
- The only exception these catheters have from straight catheters is their hydrophilic coating. The user has to pop the attached water bag, which activates the pro-bonded lubrication on the catheter. These are smoother and more comfortable to use.
- Some catheter varieties come pre-hydrated, so you can use them right after unpacking them.
- Straight Male Catheters
- These are also common, as uncoated catheters require manual lubrication before insertion. You will commonly find straight male catheters as pocket catheters in U-shaped or curved packages to fit discreetly in the pocket.
Male Closed-System Catheters
The no-touch catheters come in a sterile, self-contained collection package. It is a hydrophilic and pre-lubricated male-length catheter, typically ideal for traveling or patients who use wheelchairs.
These male-length catheters make self-cathing possible in privacy without transferring to a receptacle or toilet.
Does My Insurance Cover Male Closed System Catheters?
Some health insurance plans provide coverage for male-length catheter supplies. Hence, consult your insurance provider to discover what catheter types and supplies they cover. Your health insurance plan could help you save money.
Alternative Types Of Male Catheters
If your need and medical condition vary, consider alternate male catheter types.
- Indwelling Foley Catheters
- These are long-term use catheters that nurses or doctors insert for the patients. They also prevent its slipping by inflating a small balloon near the tip so that it stays put by the bladder. The indwelling Foley catheter allows urine to drain throughout the day, collecting into the drain, leg, or urine bag.
- Male External Catheters
- These catheters fit like condoms but feature soft straps and skin-friendly adhesives. The latter keeps the male external catheters in place while they connect with leg or drain bags for the urine that flows out. Patients may use these for two days maximum for hygiene and safety against infections.
How To Catheterize Using A Male Catheter?
You could refer to our online guide for catheterizing with a male catheter or follow the given steps:
- Insert the catheter gently into the penis’ urethra opening, following the instructions
- Keep pushing the male catheter in till the urine starts flowing out
- It would help if you pushed it an inch inside further
- Then allow the urine to drain out
What Type Of Catheter For Men Is Best?
There is no one-type-fits-all catheter. Every person’s anatomy and medical needs vary, and they must choose a catheter that caters to their needs. Hence, it is best to consult your doctor or urologist on the best catheter for your personal use.
How Active Life Medical Products Can Help With Catheter Supplies
You need a trusted catheter supplier when you require catheter supplies. Active Life Medical Products makes ordering the entire catheter supply process easy. Our Product Specialists can help you get your prescribed catheter covered through most insurances. Everything will be delivered directly to your front door.
Call Active Life Medical Products at (800) 319-2336 to place your order.
