In the medical industry, catheters are small, surgical-grade tubes inserted into canals, veins, passages, or body cavities to keep the path open for fluid injection or withdrawal. For instance, the central venous catheter helps doctors administer intravenous fluids and put them into a large vein in the body, such as the arm, groin, neck, or chest.
A urinary catheter is the most common type of catheter, and it helps people empty their bladders when they cannot do it naturally. You can use three types of catheters: short-term catheters, long-term or indwelling catheters, and external catheters. Intermitting catheters is the right solution if you can perform your bladder decompression care.
It can reduce the impact of the bladder issue on your life, and you can carry on with your normal indoor and outdoor activities. Intermittent catheters can offer many benefits if you don’t want involuntary urine loss or the constant need to pee to hamper your daily life.
Let’s dive into the details to learn more advantages of intermittent cathing.
How Do I Know If I Need To Use Catheters?
You need catheters if you have difficulty urinating naturally. Doctors can also use it to empty your bladder post-surgery or perform medical tests:
- Drain urine if the urethra that removes urine from your bladder is blocked due to prostate enlargement or scarring.
- To enable urination if you have nerve injury or bladder weakness that impairs your ability to urinate.
- If you use an epidural anesthetic to drain the bladder during labor.
What Is Intermittent Catheterization?
When a patient cannot empty their bladder naturally, a urinary catheter can help collect fluid. Catheters typically incorporate a drainage bag to empty the urine. The bag may hang over the bedside for people confined to beds. Medical professionals fasten the bag to the leg of mobile patients using elastic bands.
When necessary, these people can empty the bag into the toilet. You can insert and remove the catheter from the bag several times daily during intermittent catheterization. This process eliminates the need to wear a catheter that is constantly draining.
The Purpose Of Intermittent Catheterization
Self-catheterization is necessary for those with bladder control problems to empty their bladder. The procedure, also known as clean intermittent catheterization, entails using a tube or catheter to drain urine periodically during the day. Self-catheterization may be necessary for several medical conditions.
Who Needs To Use Catheters?
Your doctor may advise intermittent catheterization if you experience any of the following symptoms, such as:
- Incontinence
- Urine retention
- Serious bladder issues that could cause kidney damage
Your doctor might advise intermittent catheterization if you have the following:
- Spinal cord damage;
- Spina bifida;
- Some neurological issues; or
- Procedures on the genitalia, the prostate, or an abdominal hysterectomy.
The Advantages And Benefits Of Intermittent Catheterization
Improved Autonomy
The most significant benefit of intermittent catheterization over indwelling catheters is improved autonomy. In-dwelling catheterization often limits patients’ ability to move around and makes it challenging to maintain independence.
With intermittent catheterization, you need to empty the bladder at predetermined intervals rather than all the time. You can use intermittent catheters at home or even at work. Their design mimics natural voiding.
Reduced Infection Risk
Indwelling catheterization can cause urinary tract infections, sometimes known as UTIs. The main contributing elements are the catheter’s continual presence and length. Intermitting catheterization lowers the risk of UTIs and other infections by minimizing the time a urinary catheter is in the body.
Reduced Complications
Many people experienced blockages caused by encrustation with indwelling catheters. As a result, the obstructions cause discomfort, urinary incontinence, and catheter-bypassing urine. They can use catheters intermittently and remove them periodically, preventing encrustation.
Even if catheters are blocked, patients can quickly install a new one in their place. If the catheter’s diameter is more significant than necessary, it may result in urethral stricture. Intermittent catheterization will prevent this issue. Additionally, intermittent catheters prevent abscess formation and paraurethral gland blockage.
Summary
Intermittent cathing or self-cauterization makes it easier to perform everyday tasks without feeling isolated. It makes you more independent and helps you prevent infections and complications.
For the users’ health and welfare, high-quality catheters from reliable suppliers such as Active Life Medical Products are crucial. The platform is a premium quality supplier of urinary catheters. Check out their products to find the best one for your needs.
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.
