Having Bladder Problems? Consider Intermittent Catheters
Up to 25% of hospitalizations will require the placement of a Foley catheter which is an indwelling catheter that helps pass urine through the bladder during a hospital stay or surgery.
For more than 3500 years, urinary catheters have been used to drain the bladder when it fails to empty.
Catheter-Associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI’s) are the most common type of healthcare-associated infections, accounting for more than 30 percent of healthcare-associated infections reported by acute care hospitals. Virtually all healthcare-associated urinary-tract infections (UTIs) are caused by instrumentation of the urinary tract (e.g. insertion of catheters).
Intermittent Catheters are for All Ages
A common misconception is that catheters are for the elderly or injured. While that is true, catheters are beneficial for those of all ages who suffer from a wide range of conditions. However, we all age and aging causes the body to weaken and change in organs like the bladder.
Studies show that urinary incontinence increases with age from 14% in individuals aged 65–69 years to 45% in those aged 85 years or over. For those younger, intermittent catheters are a quicker, safer and easier option compared to indwelling, or long-term catheters that can cause complications.
According to Health Line, Intermittent catheterization may be used temporarily after certain types of surgery of the prostate, genitals, or after an abdominal hysterectomy.
Using Intermittent Catheters
Intermittent catheterization may help improve bladder problems and urinary incontinence in some people. Intermittent catheters help to empty bladders all ages that may suffer from a condition that inhibits the bladder’s ability to empty itself naturally. A catheter usually has a drainage bag to capture the urine. If using catheters, clean your leg bag every day and replace it when the doctor tells you to, this is usually twice per month or once every week.
Medical conditions that require the use of catheters are common and can be unpleasant with the wrong urology supplies. In some cases, free intermittent catheters and free catheter samples are available for those who qualify. Speak to your doctor or health care professional to determine which catheters and urological supplies are needed for your condition.
