Most people go through life with no severe complications of the urinary tract system. Their kidneys continue to filter blood into the ureters and the bladder, which is then emptied when nerve signals are sent to your brain indicating an urge to urinate. While common urological disorders are abundant in certain populations, sometimes things occur which may require additional assistance.

Foley Catheters

A Foley catheter, also referred to as indwelling catheters, are inserted the same way as an intermittent catheter, but they’re left in place for longer, defined periods of time. Foley catheters are kept in place by a water-filled balloon and urine empties into a drainage bag. The drainage bag can be attached to the inside of your leg to allow for mobility. Foley catheters need to be changed every three months to avoid infection.

You also have the option to choose between a straight tip and a coudé tip catheter. Straight tip catheters are 100% straight from end to end while coudé tip catheters have a slight curvature to help bypass any urethral obstructions. Talk to your doctor to determine which type of catheter will work best for your condition. Both are available in a wide variety of materials.

Silicone Catheters

Silicone catheters are catheters that are made out of 100% silicone. They have absolutely no traces of latex in them, which is ideal for those who have latex allergies or are sensitive to the material. Silicone catheters are made for several different styles of catheters and are most commonly used for intermittent and Foley catheterization. They are inserted in the same exact manner as catheters made out of other materials, but you may need lubrication to assist insertion—unlike hydrophilic catheters, which are individually pre-lubricated. People that feel a certain degree of discomfort when inserting catheters should talk to their doctor about trying silicone catheters.

Choosing Between Silicone and Latex Catheters

There are several different types of catheters available to choose from, many of which come in both silicone and latex. Choosing the material for your catheters tend to depend on personal preference and doctor recommendation. If you’re allergic to latex, using silicone catheters is required to avoid potentially life-threatening reactions. For those without allergies, discuss your options with your doctor and consider trying them both to determine which material you prefer. There is also an option to use a red rubber catheter for intermittent catheterization. Your doctor can go over your options in detail to help you make a more informed decision.

Whether you need to use a catheter for one week or one year, it’s important that you have the proper supplies to care for your catheters and perform intermittent self-catheterization. Byram Healthcare has a range of catheters to help you manage your conditions and live a happier, healthier life.