Choosing the Right Catheter

When you’re about to choose your catheter for self-catheterization you may want to prepare yourself with a couple of questions that you can ask the urology nurse, before you step into the urology clinic. The following checklist can help you during this meeting to ensure you're getting the right catheter for your needs: 

Safety

Proven long–term safety: Is there clinical evidence to support that the catheter I’m about to use on a frequent (or daily) basis is safe for me long term? Hydrophilic coating for maximum comfort and minimum harm to the urethra during catheterization: Does the catheter have a hydrophilic coating that stays slippery both at insertion and at withdrawal of the catheter, to protect my urethra and give me the most comfort? Softness of the catheter: Is the catheter pliable enough to not harm my urethra (and cause for example bleedings)?

Efficacy

Tube length (cm./in.), is important for handling and complete bladder emptying in order to avoid infections: What will be the length of the catheter to give me stable handling and at the same time ensure complete bladder emptying, that will give me better protection against infections? Tube width (CH/FR), for better emptying: What width of the catheter should I use?

Handling

Handling aid for a steady grip and non-touch technique (minimized bacterial contamination) when catheterizing: Does this catheter offer a handling aid that gives me a good grip for a better and safer handling?

Lifestyle needs

Fitting into your lifestyle: Will this catheter be easy to integrate into my lifestyle? Is it discreet enough? Can I fold it together and put it in my pocket? Does it have a hanging function? Does it have all the things I need (water, collection bag, handling aid, etc.)?