Understanding Urinary Catheters
A urinary catheter is a thin, flexible tube used to drain urine from the bladder. They're one of the most commonly used medical devices in the UK, prescribed for a wide range of conditions including urinary retention, post-surgical recovery, spinal cord injuries, and neurological conditions affecting bladder control.
Whether you're a patient new to catheterisation, a carer supporting someone at home, or a healthcare professional restocking supplies, understanding the different types and what to look for helps you make informed choices.
Types of Urinary Catheters
Intermittent Catheters
Intermittent catheters are single-use catheters inserted to empty the bladder and then removed immediately. They're the preferred option for many patients because they carry a lower risk of urinary tract infection compared to indwelling catheters.
Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) is a skill that most patients can learn with guidance from a continence nurse. It's commonly used for:
- Neurogenic bladder (e.g., from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury)
- Post-operative urinary retention
- Incomplete bladder emptying
Types of intermittent catheter:
- Uncoated (standard) — Requires separate lubricating gel before use. The most basic and economical option.
- Pre-lubricated (hydrophilic) — Coated with a polymer that becomes slippery when activated with water. Reduces friction and the risk of urethral trauma.
- Pre-lubricated gel-ready — Comes with an integrated saline or water sachet for instant activation. No additional supplies needed.
- Closed-system catheters — Include an integrated collection bag, keeping the process entirely self-contained. Ideal for catheterisation away from home.
Indwelling Catheters (Foley Catheters)
Indwelling catheters remain in the bladder for a period of days or weeks, held in place by a small inflated balloon. They drain continuously into a collection bag.
They're used when:
- The patient cannot self-catheterise
- Continuous drainage is clinically necessary
- Accurate urine output monitoring is required
- The patient is immobile or in end-of-life care
Key considerations:
- Material — Latex catheters are common for short-term use (up to 28 days). Silicone catheters are preferred for long-term use as they cause less encrustation and are suitable for patients with latex allergies.
- Balloon size — Standard 10ml balloon for adults. Larger balloons (30ml) are used in specific clinical situations such as post-prostatectomy.
- Catheter length — Female-length catheters (20–26cm) are shorter and more discreet. Male-length (40–45cm) accommodates the longer male urethra.
Suprapubic Catheters
Inserted through the abdominal wall directly into the bladder rather than through the urethra. Suprapubic catheterisation is a surgical procedure performed by a clinician. It's used for long-term catheterisation when urethral access is not suitable or preferred.
The ongoing supplies (drainage bags, catheter maintenance solutions) are similar to those used with urethral indwelling catheters.
Catheter Sizes Explained
Catheter sizes are measured in Charrière (Ch) or French (Fr) — these are the same scale. The number refers to the external circumference in millimetres.
- 8–10 Ch — Paediatric use and some female patients
- 12–14 Ch — Standard for most adults, recommended starting size
- 16–18 Ch — Used when drainage of thicker or debris-containing urine is needed
- 20–24 Ch — Larger sizes for specific clinical indications, such as post-surgical irrigation
The general principle is to use the smallest catheter that provides adequate drainage. Larger catheters increase the risk of urethral trauma, discomfort, and bladder spasm.
Essential Catheter Supplies
Beyond the catheter itself, you'll need supporting supplies depending on the type of catheterisation. Browse our full range of continence supplies for everything listed below.
For Intermittent Catheterisation
- Lubricating gel (if using uncoated catheters) — sterile, single-use sachets such as OptiLube 2.7g sachets or Comfigel tubes are preferred
- Antiseptic wipes for hand hygiene — Cutisoft pre-injection swabs are a convenient option
- Disposal bags for used catheters
- A mirror (helpful during the learning phase for female patients)
For Indwelling Catheters
- Drainage bags — Daytime leg bags (350–750ml) worn discreetly under clothing, and larger overnight bags (2L) for use during sleep
- Catheter valves — An alternative to continuous drainage. The valve is opened periodically to empty the bladder, maintaining some bladder tone
- Bag stands and hangers — For overnight bags beside the bed. Our Hanging Catheter Bag Holder keeps bags securely in place
- Leg bag straps — Fabric or velcro straps to secure the leg bag comfortably
- Catheter maintenance solutions — Used to flush the catheter and prevent blockage from encrustation
- Sterile water for balloon inflation — Always use sterile water, never saline, for inflating the retention balloon
Reducing the Risk of Catheter-Associated UTIs
Urinary tract infections are the most common complication of catheter use. Key prevention measures include:
- Hand hygiene — Wash hands thoroughly before and after any catheter contact. Use nitrile examination gloves during catheter care for added protection
- Closed drainage system — Keep the drainage system sealed. Only disconnect when changing bags
- Keep the bag below bladder level — This prevents urine reflux back into the bladder
- Daily meatal cleansing — Clean around the catheter entry site with soap and water daily. Clinell Contiplan Care Wipes are designed specifically for continence care hygiene
- Adequate fluid intake — Aim for 1.5–2 litres of fluid per day unless medically restricted
- Regular catheter changes — Follow your clinician's schedule, typically every 12 weeks for long-term silicone catheters
Skin Care Around the Catheter Site
Protecting the skin around the catheter insertion point is essential to prevent irritation and breakdown. A barrier cream such as Cavilon helps shield the skin from moisture damage, while Cytolax No-Sting Barrier Spray provides a breathable protective film without causing discomfort on sensitive skin.
For patients who are bed-bound, disposable incontinence bed pads provide an additional layer of protection against leaks.
Getting Catheter Supplies on Prescription
In the UK, most catheter supplies are available on NHS prescription. Your GP or continence nurse can prescribe the catheters, drainage bags, and accessories you need. Many patients use a home delivery service (dispensing appliance contractor) that delivers supplies directly to their door on a regular schedule.
If you're self-funding or need supplies urgently, catheter products can also be purchased directly from medical suppliers like Vena Cava.
When to Seek Medical Help
Contact your GP, continence nurse, or NHS 111 if you experience:
- Pain, burning, or discomfort that doesn't settle
- Cloudy, foul-smelling, or bloody urine
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
- A catheter that stops draining or bypasses (leaking around the catheter)
- Difficulty inserting an intermittent catheter
Shop Catheter and Continence Supplies
Vena Cava stocks a comprehensive range of catheter and continence supplies for healthcare professionals and home users across the UK. Here are some of our most popular products for catheter care:
- OptiLube Sterile Lubricating Jelly 82g Tube — Medical-grade lubricant ideal for catheterisation procedures
- OptiLube Sterile Lubricating Jelly 42g Tube — Compact tube with easy-open cap for gloved hands
- OptiLube Zero 5g Sachets (Box of 150) — CHG-free lubricating gel in convenient single-use sachets
- KY Jelly 82g — Trusted water-based personal lubricant, sterile until opened
- Hanging Catheter Bag Holder — Secure overnight drainage bag hanger for bedside use
- Clinell Contiplan Care Wipes — All-in-one cleansing wipes for continence care
- Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream — Long-lasting skin protection against moisture damage
Browse our full Gels & Lubricants and Continence Supplies collections, or contact our team for advice on the right supplies for your needs.
