Your healthcare professional (HCP) who advises you on the need and benefits of intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) will most likely recommend the appropriate catheter for your needs initially. However, depending on your lifestyle, level of activity, manual dexterity and preference etc, you may wish to explore other catheter types which are freely available to you.
ISC catheters are sterile, single use devices, some with a hydrophilic coating which requires the addition of water to lubricate the catheter, while others depend on a water-soluble gel for lubrication. Some catheters are already pre-lubricated on removal from their packaging.
Whichever, type of lubrication you opt for be sure that it is durable and retains its lubricity on removal as well as insertion. Some catheters with less durable coatings can make removal more noticeable and less comfortable especially if drainage is slow.
The ‘eyelets’ or drainage holes of the catheters should be smooth and comfortable on insertion and removal to avoid the risk of trauma to the lining of the urethra (outlet tube leading from the bladder). The eyelets will also determine if mucus and other debris present in the urine can flow freely. Some people require much larger drainage eyelets for specific types of urinary drainage such as the Mitroffanof urinary diversion.
Most types of ISC catheters are available to you in Male and Female variants, and with differing styles of packaging to help you with the daily management of your condition.
Remember everyone of us is an individual, and we all lead differing lives, so no one catheter will work for everyone. You have multiple options available to you, so don’t compromise your quality of life by staying with a catheter which doesn’t give you 100% comfort and ease of use.