This piece has been medically reviewed by Aleece Fosnight, MPAS, PA-C, CSC-S, CSE, NCMP, IF, Medical Advisor to Aeroflow Urology.
When your doctor first prescribes an intermittent catheter, they will match you with the best type of catheter to suit your personal needs. There are many different types of catheters, and it may take trying a few different types before finding the one that is most comfortable and effective for your specific needs.
What Is An Intermittent Catheter?
An intermittent catheter is a medical device used to empty the bladder when an individual is unable to do so on their own. This process is commonly known as self-catheterization. The urinary catheter is inserted through the urethra or stoma periodically throughout the day, as needed, and is discarded after use. A stoma is an opening in the abdomen which is connected to the urinary system, enabling waste to leave the body.
Intermittent catheters can be attached to urinary drainage bags, but are often used to direct the flow of urine into the proper receptacle, such as a toilet.
What Is A Straight Tip Catheter?
A straight tip catheter is reflective of its name. It is a thin, flexible tube used to empty the bladder with a quick in-and-out process. This single-use catheter is straight from end to end with eyelets (or holes) towards the end to simplify directing urine into a toilet.
Straight tip catheters come in a variety of sizes and options, making them a great choice for many individuals. For example, pocket catheters (or compact catheters) are available to discreetly carry and use anywhere, while hydrophilic catheters refer to catheters that come pre-lubricated.
What Is A Coudé Tip Catheter?
If you cannot use a straight tip catheter, or experience catheter pain with a straight tip catheter, your healthcare provider may prescribe a coudé tip catheter. Coudé (coo-day) is a French term for bend or elbow, and this is where the catheter’s name comes from. Coudé catheters are similar to straight catheters in function, but they have a curved end as opposed to a straight end. This unique curve on the end of coudé catheters allows users to easily glide past tight spots, blockages, or enlarged prostates in order to empty the bladder.
Are Catheters Covered By Insurance?
Aeroflow Urology can assist you in getting high quality catheters from leading manufacturers such as Cure, Coloplast, Bard, Hollister and more at no cost through your insurance policy. We work with all major insurance providers including Medicare and Medicaid to help you maximize your insurance benefits and stop paying for your catheter supplies out of pocket.
Simply complete our quick qualification form below and we’ll take care of the rest - from working with your insurance provider to getting all needed medical information from your healthcare professional. Our specially trained Continence Care Specialists can also assist you in determining which type of catheter will fit your specific needs and can also provide you with samples to try at home.
Dr. Aleece Fosnight
Aleece Fosnight, MSPAS, PA-C, CSC-S, CSE, NCMP, IF is a Medical Advisor and Writer for Aeroflow Urology and a board-certified physician assistant specializing in sexual medicine, women’s health, and urology. In 2019, she opened up her own private practice, the Fosnight Center for Sexual Health, and implemented the sexual health grand rounds curriculum at her local hospital and residency program.
Aleece is also the founder of the Fosnight Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and training of professionals in the sexual health field and providing funding for access to healthcare services in her local community.
Information provided on the Aeroflow Urology blog is not intended as a substitute to medical advice or care from a healthcare professional. Aeroflow recommends consulting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing medical issues relating to incontinence.
