If you or someone you care about uses a catheter or has difficulty using the bathroom, this guide is here to help. Urinary supplies may sound confusing, but with the right tools and information, they can make life easier, safer, and more comfortable.
What Is a Catheter?
A catheter is a soft, flexible tube that helps drain urine (pee) from the bladder. People use them when they are unable to go to the bathroom normally or need assistance emptying their bladder.
Some people use a catheter for a short time (like after surgery), while others may need one for longer because of health problems or trouble moving around.
Why Do People Use Catheters?
A doctor may suggest a catheter if someone:
Can’t urinate (pee) on their own.
Had surgery near the bladder or prostate.
Is recovering from a stroke or spinal cord injury.
Has an enlarged prostate or a blockage.
Has trouble with leaking (incontinence).
Can’t get to the bathroom easily.
Types of Catheters
There are different kinds of catheters based on how they are used:
1. Indwelling (Foley) Catheters
These catheters stay in the bladder for days or weeks.
They are held in place with a small balloon.
They are connected to a drainage bag.
2. Intermittent (Straight) Catheters
These catheters are thin, flexible tube-like catheters that are inserted inside your bladder to drain the urine.
They function like your normal bladder. These catheters do not have to be attached to a drainage or a leg bag.
3. External Catheters (for Men)
They are worn like a condom.
The urine drains into a leg bag.
These catheters are for "external" use only; thus, they do not go inside the body.
4. Suprapubic Catheters
They are inserted through a small hole in the belly.
These catheters are typically used for long-term bladder drainage.
Supplies You Might Need
Depending on the type of catheter, you may need:
Catheters (single-use or reusable)
Lubricating jelly
Daytime leg bags
Larger night bags
Straps or holders for bags
Antibacterial wipes or mild soap
Gloves for clean handling
Bed pads or mattress covers
Hooks or stands for drainage bags
How to Keep Everything Clean
Keeping things clean helps prevent infections. Here's what to do:
Wash your hands before and after touching the catheter.
Clean the skin around the catheter every day.
Empty the urine bag when it’s two-thirds full.
Keep the bag off the floor.
Clean or replace supplies as your doctor explains.
Drink lots of water (unless your doctor says not to).
For people using intermittent catheters, it's important to use a very clean or sterile technique, especially at home or in public places.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Call your doctor if you notice:
Fever or chills
Burning or pain near the catheter
Pee that looks cloudy, smells bad, or has blood
Leaking around the catheter
No urine coming out for several hours
Redness or swelling near the catheter site (especially in the belly)
These could be signs of an infection or a blockage.
Tips for Using Catheters at Home
Make sure the tubing doesn’t twist.
Use straps to hold the tube in place.
Wear loose, comfy clothes.
Keep things clean as your doctor informs you.
Move the straps around sometimes to protect your skin.
Ask your doctor about options for going out.
With the right support, people using catheters can still travel, work, and enjoy everyday life.
Where to Get Catheter Supplies
You can get catheters and supplies:
Through your doctor or home health provider.
From medical supply stores or pharmacies.
With help from insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid (with a prescription).
Your doctor or nurse can help you choose the right size and type of catheter.
Final Thoughts
Catheters and urinary supplies help many people live more comfortably and stay healthy. At first, it may seem like a lot to learn, but with good information and the right supplies, it becomes part of daily life.
If you have questions or concerns, talk to your doctor, nurse, or supplier. You're not alone; millions of people use catheters every day.
References
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Urinary Catheters.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI) Prevention.
Urology Care Foundation. Living with a Urinary Catheter.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. Urinary Catheter Care.
Cleveland Clinic. Urinary Catheters: Purpose, Types, and Care.
